Overdentures supported by mini or conventional implants-effect on patient satisfaction and bone resorption rates. A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the difference between patient satisfaction and bone height changes of mini-implant supported overdentures in comparison with conventional implant after bone expansion technique. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial contains 36 edentulous participants with thin mandibular ridges randomly divided to receive 2 mini-implants, or 2 conventional implants after ridge splitting, both treatments were done in the inter-forminal area of the anterior mandible. Then, the patients received mandibular overdentures with ball and socket attachments. At base line, after 6 and 12 months of loading the implants, patients’ satisfaction was evaluated using visual analog scale, in addition to bone height changes using Soredex DIGORA Optime Classic software. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in the overall satisfaction between the mini-implants and the conventional implants group; the amount of bone height changes in the mini-implant group was statistically significant less than the conventional implant group at base line, 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Treatment with two mini-implants provides high level of satisfaction and less bone height changes in a follow-up period of 12 months in comparison to conventional implants after ridge expansion.