Clinical Assessment of Overdenture Retention - A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

PURPOSE- The continuous resorption of the alveolar ridge after extraction of all the teeth can eventually result in a jaw anatomy which offers inadequate support for the dentures. The purpose of the study was to evaluate masticatory efficiency, speech and over all comfort in implant supported over denture patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD –A study was conducted at Rajarajeswari dental college & Hospital on 16 complete denture-wearing patients. They were converted into 2 implants supported overdentures. The implants were one piece with integrated ball attachment for retention. A healing time of 2–3 months was given before loading. During the follow-up period these patients were asked to grade the overdenture as poor, satisfactory, good and excellent separately in the categories of masticatory efficiency, speech, retention and overall comfort

RESULTS – Implant failure was seen in 1 case during the healing phase. A success rate of 93.8% was seen in this study during an observation period of 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS -Majority of the cases had good masticatory efficiency, overall comfort and speech. Implant retained overdentures help in improving the masticatory efficiency, speech and overall comfort of the patient as compared to conventional dentures