Residual ridge changes under titanium plasma-sprayed screw implant systems

An important aspect of prosthodontic considerations of an implant is the amount of bone loss around that implant because it indicates the potential longevity and success of the whole implant system. In this study a modification of the original prosthetic design was achieved by adding a precision attachment between the complete denture and the implant screws to evaluate the effect of incorporating a stress-breaker effect on residual ridge reduction. In addition, a comparison of the rate of bone loss between the original prosthetic design and the modified precision attachment design was achieved through a longitudinal clinical study. Residual ridge changes were measured from radiographs made by a standardized serial periapical technique for a 3-year follow-up period in 10 patients divided into two groups. The results of this study showed a minimal rate of ridge reduction around the implant screws in both groups after the 3-year period. No statistical difference was found between the two groups. The results of this study presented the titanium plasma-sprayed screw implant system as an excellent clinical modality in the treatment of problematic edentulous mandibles.