Introduction:

the aim of this study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate 54 implant-supported mandibular overdentures under the protocol of immediate loading, using a retention system with ball attachments. This evaluation was performed within 36 months of function of the implants.

Methods:

observational descriptive study in 27 fully edentulous patients who were evaluated in a 36-months follow-up period, after having two internal connection implants placed in the interforaminal area of the lower maxilla. The implants were evaluated in terms of survival rate, amount of peri-implant bone loss, condition of peri-implant tissues, prosthesis behavior, and degree of patient satisfaction.

Results:

survival rate at 36 months was 98.1% and the average radiographic bone loss was 0.45 mm (SD 0.6); there was a low level of plaque and average probing depth was 1.75 ± 0.75 mm. 57% of prosthesis showed active retention. 43% did not show retention or it was provided by one of its elements. 53.8% of overdentures were stable. A high percentage of patients showed total satisfaction.

Conclusion:

in a 36-months follow-up, a mandibular overdenture with ball attachments placed on two non-splinted implants immediately loaded is a predictable treatment in patients with fully edentulous lower maxilla, with high implant survival rates, low levels of peri-implant bone loss, and a high degree of patient satisfaction.

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