Mandibular bone resorption in patients treated with tissue-integrated prostheses and in complete-denture wearers

Mandibular bone resorption was studied in patients treated with tissue-integrated prostheses (TIP) and in complete-denture wearers by distance and area measurements on cephalometric radiographs. The area measurements were performed by means of a computer. Two TIP groups with short and long periods (mean = 2.4 and 23.9 years) of edentulousness and wearing complete dentures before fixture installation were followed up over 7-8 years. Mandibular bone resorption was remarkably small behind the distally positioned fixtures in comparison with the corresponding region in complete-denture wearers. Patients with complete dentures showed a continuous resorption of the mandibular alveolar ridge over 21 years, even though there were great individual variations. The bone loss was most pronounced anteriorly and during the first 2 years after extraction of the residual teeth. It is concluded that treatment with tissue-integrated prostheses seems to reduce bone resorption in the mandible, probably owing to favorable load conditions and adequate stimulation of the bone.