Fixed Bicortical Screw and Blade Implants as a Non-Standard Solution to an Edentulous (Toothless) Mandible

AIM: This paper deals with the treatment of an atrophied toothless mandible with a fixing bridge carried by two non-standard implant systems. METHODOLOGY: Four bicortical screws were implanted into the frontal part of the mandible and one implant on each side was placed into the distal area of the mandible as a support for a fixing bridge. RESULTS: During the years 2002 – 2007 the authors placed a total of 256 bicortical screw and 84 blade implants. During this period only four bicortical screws and one blade implant failed. The primary and secondary surgical success rate was therefore above 98%, while the prosthetic success rate was 100%. (Bridges which had to be re-fabricated due to implant failure were not taken into account.) CONCLUSION: This approach is recommended as a highly successful and affordable option for a wide range of patients.