Overdentures stabilised by two IMZ implants in the lower jaw--a 5-8 year retrospective study

Clinical and radiographical parameters were assessed in forty patients with overdentures stabilised by two IMZ implants connected by a bar in the lower jaw in a 5-8 years retrospective study. Results indicated that most patients had healthy peri-implant tissues, the mean pocket probing depth was 3.1 mm and the median periotest value was -4. Three implants were removed after the healing period and replaced by three new implants. One implant was lost after six years. One implant was mobile on palpation. None of the patients showed objective signs of dysaesthesia in the lower lip or chin. The peri-implant bone level of most implants had remained stable after one year of service. The overall success rate was 94% (Albrektsson et al.) and it is therefore concluded that two IMZ implants, connected with a bar in the lower jaw, provide a stable base for long-term support of a mandibular overdenture.