A randomized clinical trial of mandibular overdentures retained by mini or convencional implants: clinical parameters and cost analysis

Author(s)

Maria Paula Della Vecchia

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2015-04-13

Examining board members

Raphael Freitas de Souza; Rogério Margonar; Marcelo Ferraz Mesquita; Flávio Domingues das Neves

• Advisor: Raphael Freitas de Souza

Abstract

Mandibular overdentures retained by two conventional implants have been considered as the standard of care for complete edentulism. However, many patients refuse that treatment modality due to associated costs and post-surgical discomfort. Mini-implants are possibly able to overcome those limitations, due to their potentially lower costs and a relatively uncomplicated surgical technique. This study aimed to compare the success rate of implants and overdentures, denture quality and treatment costs, following the insertion of mini-implants (two or four) or two standard-size implants for the retention of mandibular overdentures, by means of a randomized clinical trial. One hundred and twenty edentulous participants (mean age 59.5±8.5 years) were randomly allocated into three groups according to received treatment: (GI) four mini-implants, (GII) two mini-implants, or (GIII) two standard implants. During six months, the following outcomes were evaluated: the success rate of implants and overdentures (including parameters of peri-implant health), denture quality and direct and indirect costs of treatment. Groups were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test or Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) (α=0.05). Implant survival rate was distinct for the tested groups, as follows: GI (n=152): 94%; GII (n=84): 84%; and GIII (n=80): 99%. Although groups were similar for other criteria of clinical success, GI and GII presented lower plaque index compared to GIII, both on baseline and after six months. GI had less occurrences of pain around implants than the other groups in six months. Denture quality was also different for the tested treatments; mandibular overdentures were more stable for GI than for GIII following six months of wearing, with GII presenting intermediate results. This was accompanied by an inverse trend for maxillary dentures stability, with slightly better results with GIII compared to GI. Expenses with consumables and permanent materials were the lowest for GII (average cost: R$ 450.67), followed by GI (R$ 778.92), and GIII (R$ 856.44). Groups did not present statistically or clinically significant differences for other criteria of clinical performance or cost. It was concluded that the mandibular overdentures retained by four mini-implants are as effective as those retained by two conventional implants. Nevertheless, the mandibular overdentures retained by two mini-implants were less effective, due to the lower success rate of implants for such treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/01840-0 - MANDIBULAR OVERDENTURES RETAINED BY CONVENTIONAL OR MINI IMPLANTS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL (PART II)
• Grantee: Maria Paula Della Vecchia
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate