Immediate rehabilitation of the extremely atrophic mandible with fixed full-prosthesis supported by four implants.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively assess the outcome of immediate rehabilitation of extremely atrophic mandibles by a full-arch fixed bridge anchored to four implants.


METHODS
Twenty patients with edentulous mandibles were included in the study. Each patient received a full-arch fixed bridge supported by two axial and two distal tilted implants. Prosthetic loading was applied within 48 hours of surgery. Patients were scheduled for follow-up every 6 months up to 2 years and annually until 5 years. Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone level change was performed at 1 year.


RESULTS
All patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year (range 20-48 months, mean 30.1 months). No failures were recorded to date. The 1-year implant survival rate and prosthesis success rate were 100%. Marginal bone loss around axial and tilted implants was similar at 12-month evaluation, being, respectively, 0.6 ± 0.3 (standard deviation) mm and 0.7 ± 0.4 mm. High patient's level of satisfaction was recorded for function, phonetics, and aesthetics.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique could be considered a viable treatment option for the rehabilitation of the atrophic mandible.
Centre for Research in Oral Implantology, Department of Health Technologies, Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi I.R.C.C.S., University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Roberto
R
Weinstein
Enrico
E
Agliardi
Massimo D
MD
Fabbro
Davide
D
Romeo
Luca
L
Francetti
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003794:Dental Restoration, Temporary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057893:Immediate Dental Implant Loading; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000601:surgery