[Application of non-submerged implants with ball attachments supporting overdentures in mandibular edentulism].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the non-submerged osseointegrated dental implants with ball attachments supporting overdentures in the mandible.


METHODS
Ninety-eight non-submerged fixtures were installed in 39 patients with totally edentulous mandibles. Ball attachments were mounted on the fixtures and implant-supported overdentures inserted 3-4 months after TPS fixture installation and 6 weeks with SLA fixtures. The observation period after implant activation and prosthesis insertion varied from 1-11 years.


RESULTS
The overall success rate of individual implants was 99% (97/98). The prosthesis function rate was 100%(39/39).


CONCLUSIONS
The non-submerged osseointegrated ITI dental implants with ball attachments supporting overdentures can be a successful treatment in the edentulous mandible patients.
Lai
Hong-chang
HC
Oral Implantology Centre, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011, China. lhc9@hotmail.com
Leize
Maurice
M
Leize
Stephanie
S