The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the effect of mandibular overdenture with single canine splinted or unsplinted to implant on the abutment supporting structures.
Methods: Ten male patients, were included in this study from the outpatient clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Misr University for Science and Technology, having only single standing mandibular canine opposing completely edentulous maxilla were selected. The selected patients were divided randomly by closed envelope into two equal groups according to their overdenture supporting system,: Group I: Patients received mandibular overdenture supported by natural canine and implant at the contra-lateral canine area. Group II: Patients received mandibular overdenture supported by natural canine connected by bar attachment to the implant at the contra-lateral canine area. The abutments were evaluated clinically and radiographically (marginal bone height and density changes). These evaluations were established at time of insertion, 6, 12 months. The data were collected and tabulated.
Results: The implants in Both group showed successful clinical osseointegration till the end of the follow- up period.
Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, overdentures supported by the natural canine and an implant at the contralateral side of the arch had the best effect on the supporting structures of the abutments compared to the group of individuals with implant splinted by bar .