A retrospective study of the maintenance requirements associated with implant stabilised mandibular overdentures

The maintenance requirements of a group of 58 patients, treated with the IMZ osseointegrated implant system and mandibular overdentures were investigated. Prostheses were retained by either bar and clip or separate stud attachments. The patients were followed up regularly for periods of between one and six years. The median number of maintenance procedures required per patient per year varied between 1-5. Detailed examination of the data revealed that a wide range of maintenance procedures was required, including replacement prostheses in 46% of cases. There were some differences related to the retentive elements used for the prostheses.