Prosthetic complications in an implant-retained mandibular overdenture population: initial analysis of a prospective study.
BACKGROUND
The clinical success of implant-retained, tissue-supported mandibular overdenture prostheses has been documented. However, few studies have evaluated the return visits and associated cost required to maintain these prostheses.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the amount of maintenance required to provide acceptable and satisfactory implant-retained mandibular overdentures in a prospective clinical trial.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures followed by placement of microthreaded/TiOBlast implants in the mandibular left and right canine regions. At 3 months, ball abutments were placed, and the mandibular prostheses were relined to receive Dalla Bona-type ball housings (baseline). Prostheses were prospectively evaluated, and adjustments were made at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month recall visits and at nonscheduled visits for 9 types of prosthetic complications.


RESULTS
Of 58 patients, 6 required no adjustments. The remaining 52 patients made 327 return visits (including 194 nonscheduled visits) for prosthesis and/or abutment adjustments. One hundred and fifteen practitioner hours were required to provide prosthetic solutions to patient concerns at the return visits. The total estimated cost for all professional and laboratory services was $12,624.00 ($218.00 per patient).


CONCLUSIONS
Although mandibular implant-supported overdentures with Dalla Bona-type ball attachments are an acceptable treatment option for edentulous patients, routine maintenance is required to ensure successful long-term outcomes.
Chaffee
Nancy R
NR
Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7450, USA. nchaffee@earthlink.net
Felton
David A
DA
Cooper
Lyndon F
LF
Palmqvist
Ulf
U
Smith
Rex
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003481:Cuspid; D000044:Dental Abutments / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D015921:Dental Implants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D003819:Denture Bases; D003823:Denture Rebasing; D003780:Denture Repair; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D003827:Denture, Complete, Upper / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D003828:Denture, Overlay / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015921:Dental Implants; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium