The use of extraoral implants for distal-extension removable dentures: a clinical evaluation up to 8 years.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study reports the clinical outcome following placement of extraoral implants in severely resorbed posterior ridges to support distal-extension removable dentures.


METHODS
Consecutively treated patients with partially or completely edentulous ridges, with available bone height in the posterior region of 6 mm or less, were included in the study. Implants originally intended for extraoral use (Straumann) were placed in second molar regions and allowed to heal for 4 to 6 months before abutment connection. At recall appointments, the peri-implant hard and soft tissues were evaluated. Complications with implant components, as well as mechanical and structural failures of the prostheses, were recorded. Two-year survival rates were calculated and life table analyses undertaken.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine patients (19 women and 10 men; average age 61.2 years, range, 44 to 75 years) were included in the study. Forty-seven extraoral implants in 26 patients were placed in the second molar site of the mandible. Two extraoral implants in 2 patients failed during the osseointegration phase, yielding an 8-year cumulative success rate of 91.8%. The mean distance from the extraoral implants to the most distal tooth/implant was 28.1 mm (range, 16.7 to 39.2 mm). Twenty-three extraoral implants were restored with magnets, 18 with ball anchors, and 4 with conical cylinders. Replacement of abutments and retention elements was necessary in 2 patients. Four abutments in 2 patients were disconnected from the restorations.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limits of the employed research design, extraoral implants may be used successfully to provide support for distal-extension removable dentures in severely resorbed posterior alveolar ridges.
Minoretti
Roger
R
Dental Clinic Am Opernhaus, Zurich, Switzerland.
Triaca
Albino
A
Saulacic
Nikola
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D003832:Denture, Partial, Removable; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015921:Dental Implants