Methods: Between September 2006 and March 2007 eleven patients wearing complete mandibular dentures received one median implant (Camlog Screw line, Camlog Biotechnologies, Basel, Switzerland). Healing mode was either submerged or non-submerged. After implantation, denture base was relined with a soft acrylic temporary relining material and, on average three months after implant placement, provided with a ball anchor (Dalbo-plus, Cendres & Métaux, Biel, Switzerland) for implant retention and relined with a self-curing bis-acrylate resin in the implant area. Implant related parameters and prosthodontic maintenance were assessed at baseline, four weeks after implant loading and then once a year. The three-year results of this clinical study have already been reported elsewhere. Here the five year results are reported.
Results: One patient died 35 months after implant placement. For the remaining patients the mean observation period was 67.1 months (range: 63 to 71 months). None of the implants was lost during observation time. The mean Periotest value was -3.2 (range: -2 to -5). Probing depth at the implants was on average 2 to 3 mm with a maximum of 4 mm. The most frequent prosthodontic maintenance intervention during the last two years was readjustment of the matrix due to loss of retention followed by exchange of the matrix.
Conclusions:
Within the limitations of this preliminary prospective clinical study, mandibular complete dentures supported by one midline implant comprised a successful treatment option for edentulous patients.
The study was supported by Camlog Biotechnologies