Insertion of implants by bone expansion technique in geriatric patients with a severe horizontal reduction of alveolar crest

Abstract

with 72 external connection Galimplant® implants with a sandblasted and acid etched surface. In each patient 4 implants were inserted. The implants were functionally loaded with a locator attachment after an 8-week period. Results: 18 maxillary overdentures anchored on 4 implants were made. Early complication were found on the unloaded healing period, caused by an implant that was removed due to mobility. These results indicate a 98.7% survival and success rate after an average following time of 63.7 months (range: 54-80). The average bone loss was 0.9mm (0.4-1.7mm). The prosthodontics complications were related to attachment changes in 2 patients (11%). Conclusions: The clinical findings of the present study indicate that maxillary overdentures using 4 implants represent a successful implant technique in the oral rehabilitation of completely edentulous geriatric patients.