Immediate Loading of Two Implants with a Mandibular Implant-Retained Overdenture: A New Treatment Protocol

Purpose: The aim of this study was to present the clinical outcomes of the immediate loading of two bar-splinted implants retaining a mandibular overdenture. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial, 124 edentulous patients were treated according to a new treatment concept, which involves the immediate loading of two bar-splinted SLActive implants with an implant-retained mandibular overdenture. The new conventional mandibular denture is used as a template for implant positioning and as an impression tray, and for mounting the retention clip by the dental laboratory. At the same day the implants are placed, the conventional denture is converted into an implant-retained overdenture. During the healing and evaluation period, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was undertaken to assess the effect of loading on implant stability and survival. Results: The survival rate of the implants was 98.8% during the evaluation period (12-40 months). Only 3 of the 248 implants were lost. During the healing (osseointegration) phase, the implant-stability quotient increased significantly (p = .0001). During the evaluation period, four patients (3%) needed a relining of their mandibular overdenture, whereas 13 patients (11%) needed relining of the maxillary denture. Conclusions: Two interconnected implants can be successfully loaded by a mandibular overdenture at the same day of implant placement with a high survival rate of the implants. Only a few patients needed additional relining of the overdenture. Repeated RFA measurements can be useful in gauging implant stability and survival.