Probing depth and patient satisfaction with mandibular overdentures retained by four versus two mini-implants: randomized controlled clinical study

Abstract

Background Nowadays mandibular overdentures retained by mini-implants are used on a wide scale as a substitute for the conventional dental implant supported overdenture thus further studies are required to verify this replacement. Methodology Fourteen patients were randomly categorized into two equal groups. In the first group (Group I) patients received mandibular overdentures retained by four mini dental implants, while in the second group (Group II) patients received mandibular overdentures retained by two mini dental implants. All patients were scheduled for recall visits and probing depth was recorded at time of loading, six months and twelve months. Patient satisfaction was evaluated after six months of complete prostheses installation. For parametric data, Independent sample t-test was used to compare between two groups in non-related samples. Paired sample t-test was used to compare between two groups in related samples. For non-parametric data, Mann Whitney test was used to compare between two groups in non-related samples. Wilcoxon test was used to compare between two groups in related samples. Results Regarding probing depth: (Group I) was significantly lower than (Group II) after 6 and 12 months, while in patient satisfaction there was non-significant difference between the two groups in the first group of questions related to ( general satisfaction, phonetics and aesthetics while there was significant difference in the second group of questions related to (prosthesis stability and comfort)between the two groups.