Study of the effect of using mini-transitional implants as temporary abutments in implant overdenture cases

In an attempt to improve patient satisfaction during the healing period after placement of implants, mini-transitional implants (MTIs) have been advocated to allow immediate use of temporary dentures and to prevent transmucosal loads over the definitive implants. Twelve edentulous patients received two screw implants each in the predetermined mandibular canine region. At the time of surgery, six patients had two MTIs placed medially to the permanent ones. The flap was repositioned allowing transmucosal penetration of MTIs. Patients left the operating room wearing their relined lower dentures. The results indicated that MTIs integrated sufficiently in bone, giving successful immediate support for the transitional prosthesis and allowing proper mucosal healing. Two of these transitional implants showed mobility three months after phase I surgery. After loading the final implants, patients who had MTI-supported dentures showed bone loss that was not significantly different from the control group.