Use of implant-supported prostheses in edentulous mandibles among prosthodontists in Sweden.

• The aim of this study was to investigate the production of mandibular implant-supported fixed and removable prostheses among prosthodontic specialists in Sweden and to compare the results with findings in a similar study made in 2001 (16). Questionnaires regarding treatment with mandibular implant prostheses during 2011 were sent to all specialists in prosthodontics in Sweden (n = 156, according to available data). A total of 129 questionnaires were received from 129 (83 %) prosthodontists of which 114 were completed. The reported number of treatments with mandibular implant-supported prostheses varied much among the specialists. Fixed implant prostheses were more common than overdentures, but the range was large. Tio (9 %) of the specialists reported no treatment with fixed implant prostheses while 29 (25 %) had not made any implant overdentures during 2011. The most common anchorage system for overdentures in 2011 and in 2001 respectively, was two un-splinted implants with ball attachments or locators The most common reasons for the choice of overdenture treatment in 2011, as well as in 2001, were the reduced cost and the patient’s main wish to improve denture retention. In 2011, 58% of the prosthodontists responded that patients with implant overdentures were as satisfied as those with fixed implant-supported prostheses, whereas 40 % claimed they were less satisfied. Two respondents (2 %) considered that overdenture patients were more satisfied than those with a fixed prosthesis. It can be concluded that the general attitude among Swedish prosthodontists towards implant overdentures has not changed much during the 10-year period between the present and the previous investigation. An overdenture is still a seldom-used option in implant treatment of patients with edentulous mandibles. A fixed implant-supported prosthesis continues to be the preferred option.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Decision making

dental implants

implant overdentures

treatment cost

treatment demand

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)