REHABILITATION OF THE EDENTULOUS MANDIBLE WITH OSSEOINTEGRATED DENTALIMPLANTS - 10-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Long-term retrospective studies on the efficacy of implant retained br idgework are relatively few. In this study, 10 year follow-up results are reported on the rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible with oss eointegrated implant anchored bridges. Fifteen patients were closely m aintained and monitored using the conventional indices used in longitu dinal periodontal research, together with serial intraoral periapical and extraoral panoramic radiographs. The need for prosthetic maintenan ce and the effects of the treatment on soft tissues, supporting bone, opposing dentition and the behavioural aspects of such rehabilitation are discussed, Based on the reviewed results of the study and numerous other investigations, the treatment of mandibular edentulism with fix ed bridges supported by osseointegrated implants ad modum Branemark is a highly effective method, giving predictable long-term results.