Comparative study of two different designs of partial over denture supported with distal implant for the treatment of mandibular Kennedy class II cases

The objective of the present study was to compare between two mandibular implant overdentures of class II Kennedy classification. Material and methods: Fourteen male patients (30–45 years) were selected and divided into two equal groups. Group I received a mandibular removable partial over denture retained with implant abutment at the first molar region and with extra coronal attachment to the first premolar. Cross arch stabilization was made by using double Aker clasp on the first and second molars of the opposite side. Group II received a unilateral mandibular removable partial over denture retained with implant abutment at the first molar region and with extra coronal attachment to a splinted first premolar and canine. Patient satisfaction, clinical and radiographic evaluations were carried out at regular recall appointments up to one year from implant loading. Results: There was insignificant increase in the pocket depth and gingival recession and insignificant decrease in the perio test values and plaque index around implants and abutments. There was insignificant increase in the marginal bone loss around implants and abutments in both groups. All patients strongly disagreed the high cost of the treatment. Group II patients were more satisfied regarding aspects of the patients' comfort and phonetics. Conclusion: It is concluded that unilateral removable partial denture was more comfortable and better with speech. The use of dental implant as a distal abutment in class II Kennedy classification reduces all the movements of denture base and results in better healthy condition for the gingival and periodontium of the abutment tooth than when using conventional partial denture.