Overdentures supported by ASTRA TECH Implant SystemTM

Prospective clinical studies with the ASTRA TECH Implant System show that the survival rate of implants placed in the mandible is the same when comparing overdentures and fixed bridges, irrespective of retaining system used . The use of a ball abutment or a Locator for a non-splinted support, as well as the use of a bar attachment for a splinted support, is well documented with a followup of 1–4 years 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, , 5 years 1, 4, 7, 9, 10, 25, , and even 12 years . The implants have been placed according to a 1-stage surgical technique 2, 12, 19, 25 or a 2-stage technique 1, 3-6, 8-10, 17, 20, 26, . In addition, an immediate loading protocol has been used for overdentures supported by two unsplinted anterior implants, showing good clinical results 16, . One clinical study evaluated the use of 4 short OsseoSpeed implants (6 mm) supporting a mandibular overdenture. After 1 year in function, the clinical results were promising, with 96% survival rate of the implants and maintained marginal bone levels .