The mandibular 3-implant overdenture

Objectives:

To determine the magnitude of change in ratings of oral health related quality of life and to assess patients’ satisfaction ratings with mandibular 3-implant overdentures.

Methods:

This quasi-experimental study examined satisfaction and oral health related quality of life in 135 edentate individuals (mean 61 ±21 years) who received mandibular 3-implant-overdentures from 2006-2009 in a private practice in Quebec, Canada. Data were collected from individuals’ dental records and a follow-up survey. The 20-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20) was used to assess oral health quality of life at baseline and at follow-up. Rocking movements and satisfaction with the mandibular prostheses were measured by use of a denture satisfaction questionnaire at post-treatment. Paired t-tests and change scores were used to determine the magnitude of change from pre to post treatment.  Post-treatment satisfaction values for satisfied and dissatisfied individuals were analyzed using chi-square tests. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the effects of demographic variables, type of fixtures and type of attachment system on treatment outcomes.

Results:

Individuals who received mandibular 3-implant overdentures had statistically significant improvements in all 7 domains of the OHIP-20 from pre to post treatment (total OHIP change score -25.1 p<0.001). The mean of the OHIP post treatment total score was not influenced by sex, type of fixtures or type of attachment. Approximately 79% of individuals reported having no rocking movement, and 76% were completely satisfied with their 3-implant overdentures. General satisfaction was not influenced by sex, type of fixture or type of attachment. 

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the majority of individuals wearing mandibular 3-implant overdentures do not report rotational movements, and they have improved patient-based outcomes.  However, further research is needed to assess the efficacy of this treatment modality in relation to other types of overdentures.