Clinical and Radiographic Follow-up of Single Implant Supported Mandibular Overdentures

Objective:   To study the effect of immediate loading of single implant supported mandibular overdenture. Method: Sixteen patients were treated with root form implants. Each patient received single implant inserted in the mandibular incisor region to support an implant supported complete denture. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I; ten 10 patients who received immediately loaded implants and Group II received delayed loaded implants. The implants of both groups were fitted with ball and socket attachment. The follow-up period was at least one year after loading. Clinical assessment was probing in the form of probing depth around the implants, gingival index and patient satisfaction. Bone loss around the implants and bone density were assessed using a paralleling long cone technique. The follow-up visits were carried out one week, one, three, nine and twelve months after loading. Result:  None of the implants from both groups failed. The bone loss around the implants of Group I was 0.61±0.1, and 0.84±0.2 for the mesial side after 6 and 12 months respectively; while for the distal side the bone loss was 0.46±0.2 and 0.71±0.3 for 6 and 12 months respectively. For Group II these changes were, was0.61±0.1, and 0.85±0.1 for the mesial side after 6 and 12 months respectively; while for the distal side the bone loss was 0.58±0.1 and 0.75±0.1 for 6 and 12 months respectively. Bone density around the implants showed consistent increase all over the study period. No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding these variables. The results also showed comparable gingival index for both groups during the follow-up period as well as improved satisfaction. Conclusion:  Within the limitations of the study it can be concluded that using a single implant inserted in the anterior mandible may be considered a viable treatment option either in immediate loading or delayed loading pattern.