title: Implant-supported mandibular overdentures: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction in subjects treated with mandibular overdentures supported by two implants.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and fifty-nine patients, who received restorative therapy in the edentulous mandible consisting of a bar-retained overdenture supported by two osseointegrated implants in a private clinic in Italy, were recalled for a clinical and radiographic examination. One hundred and forty-one subjects with 280 implants attended the examination. The average follow-up time was 3.9 years. The radiographic examination included assessments of the distance between the implant margin and the most coronal position of bone-to-implant contact at the mesial and distal aspects of each implant. A questionnaire regarding comfort, satisfaction with the treatment, aesthetics, speaking capacity and efficiency in chewing was obtained from each subject. Biological and technical complications were recorded and the number of visits due to complications between the delivery of the prostheses and the re-examination was determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results from the examination revealed that the number of lost implants was small and the average marginal bone level around the implants was 0.67 mm apical of the implant margin. The most frequently observed complication was hyperplasia of the mucosal tissue under the bar construction. Few patients experienced loosening of retention. The vast majority of patients reported to be satisfied in relation to the restorative therapy from both functional and aesthetic points of view.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with edentulous mandibles may be successfully rehabilitated by means of two implants supporting a bar-retained overdenture.
authors.affiliation: Dental School, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. eriberto@studiobressan.com
authors.forename: Eriberto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bressan
authors.forename: Cristiano
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tomasi
authors.forename: Edoardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stellini
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sivolella
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Favero
authors.forename: Tord
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berglundh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D000044:Dental Abutments; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants