Swallowing dynamics of two implants versus single implant-retained mandibular overdentures: randomized clinical trial

Objective This study evaluated the swallowing dynamics of two-implant (2-IOD) versus singleimplant (1-IOD) mandibular overdentures using the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST). Methods Ten completely edentulous patients were selected from the Out-Patient Clinic of the Prosthodontics Department at the Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University. All patients initially received conventional complete dentures and were considered Group I, then randomly distributed into two equal groups; Group II (2-IOD) received a twoimplant overdenture with locator attachments, while Group III (1-IOD) received a single implant overdenture with locator attachment. Swallowing dynamics were assessed using the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) and the Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS). Evaluations were conducted 3 months after CD insertion and 3 months post-overdenture insertion. Data was collected and statistically analyzed Results TOMASS and TWST results showed significant improvements in mastication and swallowing of both solids and liquids with both overdenture types compared to conventional dentures. Two-implant overdentures demonstrated a more significant reduction in the number of chews, swallows, and total swallowing time compared to single-implant overdentures for TOMAS test, but no significant differences between single and two-implant overdentures for TWST test results.Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, two-implant overdentures (2-IOD) provide the most favorable outcome in terms of mastication and swallowing solid food and liquid events compared to single implant overdentures (1-IOD) and conventional dentures (CDS), making them a more favorable treatment option for edentulous patients.