Complete dentures represent the traditional dental treatment for patients without teeth. However, retention and stability of this type of denture are often lacking, so dental implants are indicated in order to improve the stability of the denture, along with the satisfaction of the patient. Usually, the dental implants are inserted and then a period of 3-6 months is waited before any denture is connected to them. Recent studies have demonstrated that connecting the lower denture to the implants immediately after the implant placement, leads to an improvement in the result, with a social and psychological benefit for the patient. Therefore, the aim of this research project is to evaluate the application of the immediate connections of the implants for the upper dentures. 15-40 patients wearing an upper denture will receive 4 dental implants and the denture will be immediately connected. To simplify the surgical procedure, the implants will be placed without exposing the bone. This surgical technique is called guided surgery. Secondary objective of this research project will be the evaluation of the precision of the implant positioning, using this specific technique. The patients will be followed up for 12 months, for the implant and denture evaluation, as well as the evaluation of patient satisfaction and impact on quality of life through questionnaires.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
17
4 implants immediately loaded by means of a NOVALOC TiN retained maxillary overdenture
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
Radiographic Bone Level (RBL) Change
RBL change will be measured in mm on standardized periapical radiographs. The distance between the implant platform and the most coronal level of the bone deemed to be in contact with the implant surface will be evaluated. Mesial and distal bone height measurements will be averaged for each implant. The measurements of the bone level at implant placement will be considered as baseline. The RBL change will be calculated in comparison with the baseline value.
Time frame: Baseline to 6 months post implant
Radiographic Bone Level (RBL) Change
RBL change will be measured in mm on standardized periapical radiographs. The distance between the implant platform and the most coronal level of the bone deemed to be in contact with the implant surface will be evaluated. Mesial and distal bone height measurements will be averaged for each implant. The measurements of the bone level at implant placement will be considered as baseline. The RBL change will be calculated in comparison with the baseline value.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 months post implant
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