Mandibular overdentures supported by two Branemark, IMZ or ITI implants - A prospective comparative preliminary study: One-year results

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to evaluate the condition of the peri-implant tissues of three different implant systems supporting a mandibular overdenture. Ninety edentulous patients (Cawood class V-VI) participated in this study. After randomization, 30 patients were treated with 2 Branemark implants, 30 patients with 2 IMZ implants and 30 patients with 2 ITI implants. The implants were inserted in the canine region of the mandible. After 3 months overdentures were fabricated supported by a round bar and clip attachment. A standardized clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed 0, 6 and 12 months after insertion of the denture. The intraoral radiographs were made, using the long-cone technique with an aiming device. Two implants were lost (1 Branemark, 1 IMZ) during the healing period. None of the patients showed any sensory change in lip or chin region. The pocket depth in the Branemark group decreased significantly whereas the mucosa recession increased significantly in both the Branemark as well as in the IMZ group. After 12 months, there was significantly less bone loss in the ITI group. From our study it was concluded that 2 (Branemark, IMZ or ITI) implants placed in the interforaminal region connected with a bar supply a proper base for the support of a mandibular overdenture in the (Cawood V-VI) edentulous patient. The ITI implant appears to be the implant of choice for mandibular overdenture therapy, because only one operation is required for a comparable result.