Implant supported overdentures--the King's experience

Astra Tech implants have been used to provide implant supported overdentures for 25 people, 13 with paired stud retention, 10 with paired magnetic retention and two with magnetic retention on three fixtures.

The first case was completed in June 1990 and the last in May 1992. Of the 52 fixtures which were used initially, one became loose after 6 months and one fractured after 12 months. Healing following Stage I surgery was classified as good for 14 people, moderate for eight and poor for three. Healing following Stage II surgery was problem-free in 14 people, with problems encountered in 11 people in six of whom the problem was caused by selecting healing abutments which were too short. There were 58 events of post-insertion care for the magnet group, which resulted in 104 visits and 60 events of post-insertion care for the stud group, which resulted in 89 visits. The need for post-insertion care was greatest during the first year with the magnet group having 33 events and the stud group 36 events. Twenty four of the participants rated treatment success as good and one as moderate.

Implant supported overdentures in the mandible using two isolated abutments are a successful treatment option by they can be demanding in continuing care.