Elders with implant overdentures: a 22-year clinical report.

Objective: To report on the long-term survival and prosthodontic maintenance of two edentulous adults with mandibular overdentures supported by hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated implants.

Background: Mandibular implant overdentures are a successful treatment option with positive impact on the quality of life of elderly edentulous adults. Long-term survival of the implants requires continued rigorous prosthodontic maintenance.

Clinical Report: Two elderly edentulous adults with mandibular overdentures supported by 2 HA-coated implants were presented for prosthodontic rehabilitation after 22 years of placement. The implants were osseo-integrated and surviving at presentation based on accepted criteria. The mandibular implant overdentures suffered recurrent loss of retention and stability. Prosthodontic treatment involving the replacement of defective attachment systems and construction of new sets of mandibular implant overdentures opposing complete maxillary dentures is presented.

Conclusion: The long-term survival of mandibular 2-implant overdentures requires continued prosthodontic maintenance. A conservative approach in the rehabilitation of two older edentulous adults with mandibular 2-implant overdentures was described including proper selection of attachment systems.