Peri-implant health in people aged 75 and over with an implant-retained overdenture in the mandibula
The number of elderly patients with an implant-retained overdenture in the mandibula is increasing. There is, however, insufficient information on how these elderly people are functioning with their overdenture and on their peri-implant health. Therefore, a study was carried out among a group of people aged 75 and over who had been provided with an implant-retained overdenture in a general dental office, measuring their ability to manage independently, their general health and peri-implant health. The study revealed a high degree of ability to manage independently, despite the health problems affecting many over 75. The patients rated their prosthetic overdentures with an average grade of 8.9 ± 1.1. Plaque around the implant (73%) and bleeding on probing (68%) were frequently seen. However, progressive peri-implant bone loss was seldom seen. No relationship was evident between plaque-scores and the ability to manage independently. Except for oral hygiene instruction and/or professional cleaning of peri-implants, no serious interventions were necessary. It was concluded that this group of elderly people, provided with an implant-retained mandibular overdenture, are functioning well. Plaque around the implant and bleeding on probing are often present but progressive peri-implant bone loss is rare.