Small-diameter dental implants: An adjunct for retention, stability, and comfort for the edentulous patient

Aim Studies have shown that mandibular implant overdentures significantly increase satisfaction and quality of life of edentulous elders. Improved chewing ability appears to have a positive impact on nutritional state. Materials and methods Forty edentulous subjects received four permucosal mini-implants for overdentures in the interforamina region of the mandible. Almost all participants were still satisfied with their overdentures. Participant satisfaction concerning retention and stability of the mandibular overdenture was assessed. A micro invasive technique was adopted, without open flap and performed in one chirurgical step; this technique can be used also in the so-called "highrisk" patients (anticoagulant terapy, diabetes, etc). Results and conclusion The results suggest that a mandibular overdenture retained by 4 mini-implants may be the best treatment strategy for edentulous people with atrophic ridges. The use of mini-implants is in many cases a good clinical alternative to the use of larger diameter implants, in that they enable to reduce surgical time, bleeding, postoperative discomfort and healing time.