The role of single immediate loading implant in long class IV Kennedy mandibular partial denture

Background: The treatment of long‐span Kennedy class IV considers a prosthodontic challenge. This study evaluated the integrity of principle abutments in long Kennedy class IV clinically and radiographically, when rehabilitated with conventional metallic partial denture as a control group and mandibular partial overdentures supported with single immediately loaded implant in symphyseal as a study group. Material and Methods: Twelve male patients were divided randomly allotted into two equal groups. First group patients received removable metallic partial denture, whereas in the second group, patients received partial overdentures supported with single immediately loaded implant in symphyseal region. The partial dentures design in both groups was the same. Long‐cone paralleling technique and transmission densitometer were used at the time of denture insertion, 3, 6, and 12 months. Gingival index, bone loss, and optical density were measured for principle abutments during the follow‐up. Results: A significant reduction in bone loss and density were detected in group II comparing with group I. Gingival index had no significant change (p‐value < 0.05). Conclusion: A single symphyseal implant in long span class IV Kennedy can play a pivotal role to improve the integrity of the principle abutments and alveolar bone support.