Use of mini implants for the two-implant retained mandibular overdenture: A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Rehabilitation

Background:

• Two-implant retained mandibular overdentures are effective for edentulous patients.
• The use of mini dental implants for this application requires further investigation.
• This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding mini dental implants in overdenture treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate implant stability and crestal bone loss.
• To compare immediate versus conventional loading protocols.
• To assess single-piece mini dental implants for mandibular overdentures.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four edentulous patients received conventional maxillary dentures and two-implant retained mandibular overdentures.
• Nonsplinted, single-piece mini implants were used and subjected to immediate or conventional loading.
• Implant stability (Periotest) and crestal bone loss (radiovisiography) were measured at baseline and up to six months post-loading.

Main Results:

• Implants under conventional loading exhibited significantly more negative Periotest values (indicating less stability).
• Immediate loading resulted in significantly less crestal bone loss compared to conventional loading.
• Despite being less, crestal bone loss in the immediate loading group exceeded the 1.5 mm threshold.

Conclusions:

• Two single-piece, nonsplinted mini implants may be adequate for retaining mandibular overdentures with immediate loading.
• Further research with longer follow-up periods and larger patient cohorts is recommended.
• The findings suggest potential for mini implants in overdenture treatment, particularly with immediate loading protocols.