Statement of problem: The clinical success of implant-retained, tissue-supported mandibular overdenture prostheses has been documented. However, few studies have evaluated the return visits and associated cost required to maintain these prostheses.
Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the amount of maintenance required to provide acceptable and satisfactory implant-retained mandibular overdentures in a prospective clinical trial.
Material and methods: Fifty-eight patients received new maxillary and mandibular complete dentures followed by placement of microthreaded/TiOBlast implants in the mandibular left and right canine regions. At 3 months, ball abutments were placed, and the mandibular prostheses were relined to receive Dalla Bona-type ball housings (baseline). Prostheses were prospectively evaluated, and adjustments were made at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month recall visits and at nonscheduled visits for 9 types of prosthetic complications.
Results: Of 58 patients, 6 required no adjustments. The remaining 52 patients made 327 return visits (including 194 nonscheduled visits) for prosthesis and/or abutment adjustments. One hundred and fifteen practitioner hours were required to provide prosthetic solutions to patient concerns at the return visits. The total estimated cost for all professional and laboratory services was $12,624.00 ($218.00 per patient).
Conclusion: Although mandibular implant-supported overdentures with Dalla Bona-type ball attachments are an acceptable treatment option for edentulous patients, routine maintenance is required to ensure successful long-term outcomes.