Effect of Patient Satisfaction, Implant Integration and Masticatory Function of Two Types of Immediately Loaded Implant Overdenture Systems - A Pilot Study with 36-Month Results

Objective. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate patient satisfaction, mastication and implant integration with two types of implant systems for implant-supported overdentures. Background. Since the evolution of implant dentistry, various attachments and components have been used on implantsupported overdentures to improve patient satisfaction. Narrower diameter one-piece implants have also been introduced to simplify the surgical aspect of implant dentistry. The success rates of such implants should be evaluated over time. Methods. Eight subjects were enrolled in this pilot study. Subjects were overall healthy and wore adequate complete upper and lower dentures. Initial patient survey was completed which measured comfort, retention, chewing ability, esthetics, appearance, speech and influence on self-esteem on a scale of 0-10. Subjects were then randomly selected to receive one of two types of dental implant systems. Group 1: Astra Tech. Group 2: IMTEC. All implant surgeries were performed under local anesthesia with identical open flap designs. Subjects were prescribed postoperative appropriate antibiotics and analgesics. All subjects received immediate loading of the implants. Subjects then returned for control appointments every six months over a period of three years. Results. Both implant systems had statistically improved all tested parameters of patient satisfaction. However, there was a higher implant failure rate and higher prosthetic complication rate with the four one-piece mini implants system versus two regular platform implant system with locator attachments. Grants. Funding was obtained from Astra Tech and the NSU HPD grant