Comparison of Three-Implant-Supported Fixed Dentures and Two-Implant-Retained Overdentures in the Edentulous Mandible: A Pilot Study of Treatment Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction

Purpose: The mandibular two-implant overdenture has been shown to be a highly successful treatment. However, overdenture patients who desire a fixed prosthesis may not be satisfied with a removable overdenture. This prospective study sought to compare prosthetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and survival rates of implants between two-implant-supported overdentures (IODs) and three-implant-supported fixed dentures (ISFDs). Materials and Methods: Twenty completely edentulous patients were randomly and equally assigned to two groups. New conventional complete dentures were made, and the mandibular denture was used as a surgical guide during implant placement. Implants were placed in one stage, followed by a mandibular denture soft reline (provisional loading). Ball attachments were inserted at 8 weeks, and ISFDs were delivered at 16 weeks. IODs were connected to the attachments at 8 weeks, using each patients's existing denture. The definitive ISFDs were fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture milled titanium frameworks and acrylic resin base and teeth. Patient satisfaction and panoramic radiographs were investigated at 6 and 12 months. Results: Both treatments had significant and positive effects on patient satisfaction and quality of life. None of the 50 implants placed had failed at 12 months of follow-up; therefore, the implant survival rate was 100%. Prosthetic complications were generally rare and easily manageable. Conclusions: Both the treatment modalities-the ISFD supported by three implants and the IOD supported by two implants-significantly and similarly improved patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life, and prosthetic complications were relatively rare for both treatments. Three implants can be used to support a mandibular fixed prosthesis; however, a longer observation period is needed to validate this treatment modality. Keywords: dental implant, mandibular fixed denture, mandibular overdenture, patient satisfaction, prosthetic outcome