Functional Assessment of Removable Partial Denture Before and After Short Implant Anchorage in Resorbed Distal Ridges: A Case Series

Aim: The purpose of the study was to functionally evaluate removable partial denture in resorbed edentulism, before and after short implant anchorage. Materials and Methods: 13 patients, belonging to Kennedy Class I and II and rehabilitated with removable partial denture, underwent the insertion of one short implant in the resorbed distal edentulous ridge, connected to the removable partial denture with a locator attachment after osseointegration. Before the implant insertion and after the prosthetic connection the following tests were performed: psychological evaluations, prosthetic satisfaction questionnaires, kinesiographic recordings and masticatory efficiency test. Results: Preliminary psychological tests revealed no signs of depression and a medium-high level of self-esteem. After implant anchorage, masticatory cycle’s patterns became more uniform and with a decreased variability, due to the improved stability of the prosthesis; moreover, patients showed a statistically significant improvement in masticatory efficiency and prosthetic satisfaction increased in every aspect, showing a better adaptability and a more positive attitude towards the rehabilitation. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, short implant retained removable partial denture in situation of resorbed bone ridges, allows improving patients' psychological comfort and satisfaction, enhancing the prosthesis retention and function.