Clinical evaluation of implant-retained overdentures: Mechanical complications

摘要

Implant retained overdentures is an effective method of treatment for edentulous patients when unstable prosthesis and residual ridge resorption are present. The usual complications mostly consist of screw loosening, gingival hyperplasia, and needs for replacement of clips, denture relining and read-justment of occlusion and articulation. This study aims to report the clinical mechanical complications and to suggest possible relations with functional, mechanical and technical aspects. Twenty-one files of patients treated with removable acrylic implant-retained prosthesis using clip-bar attachment system were evaluated. The 3 major mechanical complications found, in mean incidence per patient/year, were: failure of the attachments (1.24); occlusal dissadaptation (0.42) and prosthesis damages (0.41). The mechanical complications are a common important event and close follow-up is inevitable. More studies are needed in order to make possible an integration of all relevant concepts, and enable a planning based on evidence, more correct and individualized.