Method: An observational clinical study on completely mandibular edentulous patients treated with 2 narrow implant overdentures was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics (Faculty of Dental Medicine, Bucharest). Dental implants from Medical Bredent (Germany) were used, namely miniSky1 (2.8mm diameter; O-ring retention system) and miniSky2 (3.2mm diameter; Locator retention system).
Results: Study sample included 24 patients, aged 41-86 years, from which 6 were men. All patients had a decreased bone volume in the interforaminal area, as ridge width (generally below 4-5mm) and bone height (12-15mm in 16 patients). In 19 patients miniSky1 and in 5 patients miniSky2 implants were applied, the follow-up being 3-29 months. In 2 patients 1 dental implant was lost in the 1st month, due to the overdenture pressure exercised directly on the implant. These implants were replaced and the evolution was good. Beside these, all implant had a good clinical outcome, without mobility or pain, with clear sound on percussion, with minor bone loss, with transitory soft tissue hyperplasia. In 1 patient an additional implant was applied at patient insistence, to ensure his psychological comfort. Minor complications of the retention system were encountered, namely loss of 1 rubber cap and occasionally detachment of acrylic or silicone matrices used during the osseointegration. Occasionally pain related to a sensitive denture supporting mucosa appeared. In 5 bimaxillary edentulous patients, instability of the maxillary denture appeared. Patients’ satisfaction was high, declaring they feel no stress regarding denture’s retention during social activities.
Conclusion: The two narrow dental implant overdenture seems like an appropriate treatment alternative for mandibular complete edentulism, having a good clinical outcome and a high degree of patient satisfaction