Patient responses to dental implant-retained mandibular overdenture therapy: A 6-year clinical study

Background: The purpose of this study was to record subjective patient experiences with respect to the surgical placement of dental implants and the functioning of mandibular implant-retained overdentures versus conventional dentures. Methods: Completely edentulous patients (n = 56) unable to wear a conventional mandibular complete denture were each treated with 4 one-stage titanium plasma sprayed or Sandblasted Large-grit Acid-etched (SLA) screw implants and overdentures retained by a cast bar with extracoronal attachments. Fifty-six patients were subsequently clinically evaluated over a period of up to 6 years. Fifty-three patients responded to questions on their experiences prior to and after treatment with implant retained overdentures. Results: No implants or restorations failed during the observation period. Most of the patients (96%) felt satisfied with their new overdentures, and reported their new dentures fit comfortably. Conclusions: The use of implants to retain and support the denture improved comfort, giving the patients more self-confidence and improved social interaction, in addition to oral rehabilitation. This study demonstrates rehabilitation of the mandibluar arch with an implant-retained overdenture is a predictable treatment protocol.