implants0112

_Abstract The aim of this case report is to demonstrate the concept of immediate functional loading in the mandible using unsplinted implants to support a lo- cator attachment-supported overdenture. The patient was treated by placing four tapered implantsintheanteriormandible.Theimplantswere immediately loaded using individual unsplinted lo- cators to support a removable overdenture. The pa- tient was followed for 24 months. To date, none of the implants has lost osseointegration. The radi- ographic bone levels remain stable. The patient has been able to maintain healthy soft tissue around all individual implants and indicated that she is com- fortable and is able to function well with her over- denture. This preliminary report presents a case in which individual immediately functionally loaded unsplinted implants maintained osseointegration when used to retain a removable locator overden- ture. _Introduction Patientswithanedentulousmandiblemaynotbe able to consume a normally textured diet. As they continue to lose alveolar bone height, the dislodge- ment pressure by the perioral musculature on the prosthesisbecomesgreaterthanitsretentiveaspects. This can cause discomfort, sores and trauma to the mentalnerve.Theplacementofendosseousimplants into the anterior mandible is an excellent therapy for reconstruction. It helps to restore edentulous pa- tients to a normally textured diet, normal nutritional intake,betterhealthandimprovedself-confidence.1–3 A locator-supported overdenture is a well-docu- mented modality of treatment. The conventional methodoftreatmentistoplacetheimplantsinasub- merged two-stage approach. After allowing the im- plants to osseointegrate for three months, the im- plantsareuncoveredandthelocatorsaredeliveredto support the overdenture. The concept of immediate functional loading has been documented in the I case report Fig. 1_Mandible at the time of implant placement with moderate bone resorption. Fig. 2_Pre-op panoramic radiograph. Fig. 3_Guiding pins at the time of implant placement. Immediate functional loading of the edentulous mandible Tapered implants & overdentures Author_Dr Suheil M. Boutros, USA 18 I implants1_2012 Fig. 2 Fig. 3Fig. 1