Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures in Mandibular Kennedy Class I Patients: The Impact of Implant Positioning

The installation of two implants to support and retain the prosthesis has been suggested as an option to improve the prognosis of removable rehabilitations in Kennedy class I patients. Using the finite element method, the present study performed a biomechanical analysis of two implant-assisted options (IARPD) with the implants in distinct positions - mesially in the edentulous space or in a distal position. The installation of a dental implant in each of the bilateral edentulous regions promotes the vertical and anterior-posterior stabilization of the prosthesis, leading to low displacement. IARPDs with the implant placed adjacent to the abutment teeth retain a pattern of displacements comparable to conventional RPDs, with sinking of the prosthesis. Addition of implants to the denture bearing areas, regardless of the position, results in low strain in the edentulous bone and high strain in the peri-implant bone, indicating that load is distributed to the bone through the implants.