Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Between Single Symphyseal and Parasymphyseal Implants Versus Two...

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of single implants in the symphyseal and parasymphyseal regions with that of two implants in complete mandibular overdentures.

Fifteen completely edentulous male patients (50-65 years) were chosen and randomly grouped into three equal groups (five patients in each) according to the position and number of the received implants to assist mandibular complete overdentures: group I: single median implant; group II: single parasymphyseal implant; and group III: two implants were inserted in the canine area bilaterally. After three months of osseointegration, the lower denture was transformed into an implant-assisted complete mandibular overdenture. Clinical observations were documented on the day of loading, and three, six, and nine months later for each implant. Follow-up cone beam computed tomography scans were performed to assess marginal bone loss on the day of loading, and six and twelve months later. The masticatory efficiency evaluation was conducted one and three months after loading.

The obtained results demonstrated insignificant differences between the three groups concerning marginal bone loss, plaque index, pocket depth, and bleeding index. Regarding the masticatory efficiency, the results revealed a significantly higher masticatory efficiency in group III than in groups I and II.

Using two implants to retain mandibular overdentures is the first choice due to their higher masticatory efficiency than a single implant. However, a single implant may be a viable treatment alternative, especially in cases where there are any limitations that restrict the use of additional implants.