Patients With Transmandibular Implants Are at Risk for Severe Complications When Becoming Frail

Early in the implant era, transmandibular implant systems were used for retention of implant-retained mandibular overdentures in the severely resorbed mandible. These transmandibular systems require very thorough aftercare, especially when patients become frail and dependent on care. As a result, oral care often receives less attention in frail elderly patients or the patient cannot maintain the needed level of oral care. Care providers often are unfamiliar with the level of oral care needed to preserve transmandibular implants in good condition. This case series describes the risk for severe complications, including chronic pain and fracture of the mandible, in frail elderly patients who were unable to maintain oral care at the desired level and whose caregivers did not provide the needed level of oral care. (C) 2015 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons