In Vivo Evaluation Of Two Different Protocols For The Fabrication Of Implant-Supported Overdenture Prostheses

Background: This study focuses on the balanced distribution of relative masticatory pressure in two implant-supported overdenture rehabilitations and evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment protocol in achieving this. This study aims to compare, via a digital occlusal analyzer, the clinical effectiveness of the modified traditional protocol followed in two implant-supported mandibular overdenture rehabilitation with the traditional protocol. Methods: A total of 20 patients were included in the study and with the help of envelope drawing were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (control/traditional protocol), Group II (test/modified traditional protocol). The distribution of the relative masticatory pressure, the change in masticatory pressure (Δp values) [including presence or absence of premature contacts and balanced/unbalanced pressure distribution] and treatment process management parameters were recorded utilizing OccluSence® for each patient, predelivery and at delivery. Data was statistically evaluated with t tests and chi-square tests, and significance level was set to α = 0.05. Results: No significant differences existed in masticatory pressure distribution and premature contacts between groups predelivery and at delivery. Predelivery, the test group showed significantly more balanced pressure than control’s (p<0.005); however, this difference disappeared at delivery (p>0.370). In the management of the treatment process, the test group exhibited a statistically significant difference than control’s group. (p<0.000). Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the protocol is effective for achieving balanced distribution of masticatory pressure in two-implant-supported overdentures. However, the findings require validation through larger-scale studies.