Bone level changes in patients with transmandibular implants.
OBJECTIVE
In this article, the mandibular bone height in edentulous patients previously treated with a transmandibular implant was evaluated after the dentures were modified according to the latest prosthetic protocol.


METHODS
The bone height of 36 patients was measured on three radiographs; the first at the time of insertion of the implant, the second just before using the latest prosthetic protocol, and the third 1 year later.


RESULTS
A slight bone increase at the lateral posts and at the cortical screws mesial to these posts was measured. No significant bone increase was found above the lateral cortical screw.


CONCLUSIONS
The bone increase that is found in this study was not of the extent indicated in earlier reports.
Kwakman
J M
JM
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Van Waas
M A
MA
Hagens
M
M
Voorsmit
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D015921:Dental Implants