Background
Complications of distal extension mandibular removable partial dentures are: loss
of retention, irritation, and so forth. Dental implants have been used to support
distal extension removable partial dentures. However, many patients have limited bone
support in which to place conventional‐size dental implants.
Purpose
To compare the clinical outcomes of using immediate‐loaded mini dental implants and
immediate‐loaded conventional‐size dental implants, when used to retain mandibular
Kennedy class I removable partial dentures.
Materials and Methods
Thirty patients were randomly divided into two groups. Mini dental implants and conventional‐size
dental implants were placed in participants in the first molar region on both sides.
The dentures were connected immediately. Patients were recalled on 1, 3, 6, and 12 months
after surgery. Digital periapical radiographs were made, and patient satisfaction
was recorded. Data were analyzed by independent samples t‐test and paired samples t‐test (P = .05).
Results
Twenty eight of the implants survived (survival rate = 93.3%) in each group. Mean
radiographic bone loss was 0.47 ± 0.42 and 1.03 ± 1.07 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively.
Conventional‐size implants revealed significantly greater marginal bone loss than
mini implants (P = .01). Patient satisfaction showed significant improvement after treatment in both
groups.
Conclusions
Immediate‐loaded mini dental implants can be applied for retaining mandibular Kennedy
class I removable partial dentures with very favorable results.
Comments