Comparison of Short Implant Assisted Mandibular Overdenture Designs

Comparison of Short Implant Assisted Mandibular Overdenture Designs (A Randomized Clinical Trial)

The aim of the study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate and compare the use of unsplinted and splinted short implants with ball abutments to support mandibular overdentures in cases with severe mandibular ridge resorption.

Twelve patients from the Prosthodontics Department in the Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University participated in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The test group received 4 short implants with ball abutments for the construction of a mandibular assisted overdenture, while the control group received 4 short implants splinted using a bar with a ball attachment for retaining a mandibular overdenture.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Completely edentulous patients.
• Mandibular ridge should be a maximum of 10mm height and with a minimum width of 8 mm to insert implants without grafting procedures.
• Patients free from systemic diseases that contradict the use of dental implants.
• Patients with class I ridge relation.
• Patients with adequate zone of keratinized mucosa.
• Patients with U-shaped or square shaped arches

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-compliant patients based on history.
• Heavy smokers.
• Senile patients (over 75 years) with impaired neuromuscular control.