[Primary clinical application of linear occlusion in immediate loading and implant-supported mandibular overdenture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical feasibility and technical features of immediate loading with linear occlusion on 2-implant-supported overdenture and to evaluate short-term effect of the treatment METHODS: Six edentulous patients with severe residual ridge resorption were enrolled. Two interforaminal implants were inserted for each patient and then immediate impressions were taken. Implant-supported bar-retained overdentures were restored for the patients within 24 hours. Clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted post-operative 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Thereafter at every 6 months the stability of implants, tissue situations around implants, radiographs and satisfaction level of patients were examined for each patient. RESULTS: Six cases and 12 implants were followed from 9 to 30 months. No implant was loosened or dropped. Sulculus bleeding index was 0-1 and probing depth of sulcus was less than 2 mm. The gingival tissues around the implants were healthy. Radiographic examination showed that bone resorption was less than 1 mm in the first year. The alveolar bone around the implants hasn't show obvious resorption stable height. Patients were satisfied with the implants. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that immediate loading using linear occlusion on implant-supported bar-retained overdenture is predictable in some cases and can achieve satisfaction in the short-term service. Further study is needed to assess the long-term results.