title: The central single implant in the edentulous mandible: improvement of function and quality of life. A report of 2 cases.
abstract: Implant-retained overdentures are a reliable treatment option for edentulous patients, especially when only few implants can be placed. Internationally, 2 implants are considered adequate to retain an overdenture in the edentulous mandible. However, for many patients, 2 implants can be cost-prohibitive. By means of 2 clinical cases, it is shown that the insertion of a single implant in the middle of the mandible might stabilize the prosthesis and improve the oral health quality of life and the chewing function. A ball attachment with a screw-activated matrix was used to retain the overdenture. Early clinical results are promising. However, before this method can be recommended for general clinical application, long- term clinical results are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Propaedeutics, and Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wolfart
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Braasch
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brunzel
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kern
mesh_terms: D019250:Dental Implants, Single-Tooth; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003834:Denture Precision Attachment; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile