Posterior Implants for Distal Extension Removable Prostheses: A Retrospective Study

Common complaints associated with the Kennedy Class I (bilateral free end) and Class II (unilateral free end) removable partial denture situations are lack of stability, minimal retention, and unesthetic retentive clasping. Some of the same complaints have been reported for implant overdentures with only anterior implants. Starting in 1995, 10 of these patients were treated at the University of Washington with posterior osseointegrated implants to provide stability and/or retention of the removable prostheses, eliminating the need for clasps when possible. This article describes implant alternatives and prosthesis designs and presents a follow-up clinical evaluation of at least 1 year consisting of patient satisfaction, radiographic examination, and soft tissue health. Two groups were evaluated. Group 1 included patients whose implants were used as vertical stops for mandibular distal extension prostheses. Care was taken to ensure that the implants were not loaded laterally by creating a single-point contact at the center of a modified healing abutment. In these cases, sufficient retention was available from the anterior teeth and/or implant abutments. Group 2 included patients whose implants required retention because of lack of adequate tooth abutments. In those cases, a resilient type of attachment was used, which allowed for a small divergence from the path of insertion. Results indicated consistent increased satisfaction in all patients, minimal component wear, no radiographic evidence of excessive bone loss, and stable peri-implant soft tissues.