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Purpose: This retrospective study radiologically investigated alveolar bone resorption in the
edentulous maxilla in patients with implant-supported mandibular overdentures. Materials
and Methods: This study consisted of 35 healthy, completely edentulous patients with a
mean age of 59.7 years. They had received two implants between the mental foramina.
New bar-retained mandibular overdentures and maxillary complete dentures were
fabricated. Standardized panoramic radiographs taken subsequent to loading and at annual
recall visits for up to 8 years were measured for alveolar bone loss in the maxilla. Bone
areas and areas of reference not subject to resorption were measured with a planimetry
program. The proportional value between both was expressed as a ratio (R). Bone loss was
expressed as a change in R between two time points. Differences in the resorption rate
between the anterior and posterior parts of the maxilla were investigated. Results: Residual
ridge resorption continued during the follow-up period and revealed high individual
variability. With a range of 5% to 11% (median) loss in the original bone height, it was
significantly (P < .031) more pronounced in the anterior than posterior maxilla (2% to 7%)
from the second through eighth years. Regression analysis of the medians revealed a
relatively high correlation between time and bone loss in both anterior and posterior parts
of the maxilla. Conclusion: The anterior anchorage of mandibular overdentures by means of
two implants and an ovoid bar was associated with slightly higher resorption in the anterior
than in the posterior part of the edentulous maxilla. Int J Prosthodont 2003;16:295–300.
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