An eight-year follow-up to a randomized clinical trial of aftercare and cost-analysis with three types of mandibular implant-retained overdentures.
Mandibular implant overdentures increase satisfaction and the quality of life of edentulous individuals. Long-term aftercare and costs may depend on the type of overdentures. One hundred and ten individuals received one of 3 types of implant-retained overdentures, randomly assigned, and were evaluated with respect to aftercare and costs. The follow-up time was 8 years, with only seven drop-outs. No significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test) were observed for direct costs of aftercare (p = 0.94). The initial costs constituted 75% of the total costs and were significantly higher in the group with a bar on 4 implants, compared with the group with a bar on 2 implants and the group with ball attachments on 2 implants (p = 0.018). The last group needed a significantly higher number of prosthodontist-patient aftercare contacts, mostly for re-adjustment of the retentive system. It can be concluded that an overdenture with a bar on 2 implants might be the most efficient in the long term.
Stoker
G T
GT
Free University, Department of Oral Function, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, Dental School, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Wismeijer
D
D
van Waas
M A J
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000191:economics; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported / Q000191:economics*; D003779:Denture Design / Q000191:economics*; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower / Q000191:economics; D003828:Denture, Overlay / Q000191:economics*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000191:economics