Mini‐implant mandibular overdentures under a two‐step immediate loading protocol: A 4–6‐year retrospective study

Abstract

ObjectivesThis retrospective study to evaluate the treatment outcomes of mandibular mini‐implant overdentures (MIODs) placed under a two‐step immediate loading protocol.BackgroundThe mini‐implant overdenture emphasises the advantages of simplicity using flapless surgery and immediate loading. However, some mini‐implant have lowe initial stability.Materials and MethodsA total of 30 participants who used mandibular MIODs and maxillary removable complete dentures (RCDs) over 4 years were included. Four one‐piece mini‐implants (<3 mm in diameter) were placed by a flapless surgical approach after fabrication of new RCDs, and the O‐ring attachment was attached at least 8 weeks after implant placement.ResultsThe average observation period was 58.9 ± 9.2 months after mini‐implant loading. The survival rate of the implants was 100.0%, and the overall change in mean marginal bone level (ΔMBL) was −0.9 ± 1.1 mm. The implant success rate was 83.3% at the implant level, and 66.7% at the patient level. The mean initial Periotest value was 0.9 ± 3.1, and it was positively associated with ΔMBL and implant success (P < .05). Patient satisfaction improved after conversion from RCDs to MIODs (P < .05), and mastication and pain showed greater satisfaction with longer loading time (P < .05).ConclusionsThe mandibular MIODs could be chosen as an alternative treatment under a two‐step immediate‐loading protocol in edentulous patients with limited alveolar bone volume. To ensure superior treatment outcomes of MIODs, initial stability of implant must be obtained using as wide a diameter as possible within the anatomically allowable limits.