Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this report is to present the clinical and patient-based outcomes of an immediate-loading protocol of TiUnite implants with mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients 5 years following initial placement. Materials and Methods: The study comprised two groups of edentulous patients. In the experimental group, 35 consecutively treated patients received 70 TiUnite implants that were loaded immediately, as well as 69 Branemark machined implants as a backup treatment. One patient received one Branemark implant. The control group comprised patients who were treated previously with conventional two-stage implant procedures, but were all case matched to the intervention group and served as a historical cohort. This group included 42 patients who received 111 Branemark implants. Both groups of patients were treated with overdentures that were supported with a standardized resilient bar mechanism. Clinical and patient-based outcomes in the immediate group were recorded for the first 5 years following the initial placement of implants and were measured at various stages of treatment using two questionnaires: the Denture Satisfaction Scale and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20). Results: Just over 98% of implants were found to be successful in both groups (Fisher exact test: P = 1.000). A statistically significant improvement in patients' total, mandibular, and functional satisfaction scores was found when comparing baseline data to the data obtained 5 years following loading in the experimental group (P < .001). There were no significant differences between the 1- and 5-year total, mandibular, and functional satisfaction scores, or between baseline and 5-year maxillary denture satisfaction scores. A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between baseline and 1- year maxillary satisfaction scores (P = .002). Any improvement in the patients' quality of life (QoL) was maintained during the first 5 years of loading. Conclusion: The results of this longitudinal study suggest that immediate loading of two dental implants by means of bar-retained mandibular overdentures is a predictable treatment option and leads to substantial improvement in patients' satisfaction and QoL. Importantly, this mirrors the outcomes found for patients subjected to the more commonly accepted two-stage implant procedure. Int J Prosthodont 2009; 22: 368-373.