[The reactions of patients to mandibular osseointegrated dental prosthesis/implants]

A removable denture as rehabilitation for complete edentulousness is not always sufficient treatment. Some patients cannot achieve acceptable function with this treatment and psychosocial problems sometimes arise. In recent years an alternative treatment has been available for these patients, viz. treatment with overdentures supported by oral implants. An interview has been made with the first 10 patients. The treatment was 3 to 5 ITI-implants in the mandible between the mental foramina. A barconstruction stabilized the implants and barclips were placed in the denture. There was a very positively reaction to the treatment. The patients have an improvement in oral function and retention of the denture. Also the psychosocial sequelae from which some of them previously suffered were reduced or removed.