Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life In Patients With Conventional Complete Dentures Versus Mini-Implant Retained Overdentures: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life In Patients With Conventional Complete Dentures Versus Mini-Implant Retained Overdentures: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Mini-implants have emerged as a practical and less invasive solution for the rehabilitation of edentulous mandibles, offering reduced surgical complexity, lower cost, and faster healing compared to conventional implants. These advantages make them especially suitable for elderly patients or those with systemic health concerns or limited bone volume. Despite their growing clinical use, evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of mini-implant-retained overdentures on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is still scarce. Establishing this evidence is crucial for guiding treatment decisions in resource-constrained settings and improving the standard of care for edentulous individuals. This research aims to provide high-quality data on the effectiveness of mini-implants in improving OHRQoL, as measured by OHIP-14, compared to conventional dentures./
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients taking medications known to affect bone metabolism (e.g., bisphosphonates, corticosteroids) Patients with physical or mental disabilities that impair oral hygiene maintenance or compliance Heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes/day) Individuals unable or unwilling to attend scheduled follow-up or participate throughout the study duration Patients who can receive standard implants with no anatomical limitations