The Effect of Two Loading Protocols on the Supporting Structures of Mini Implants Supporting Mandibular Overdenture

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of two different loading protocols on the supporting structures surrounding mini implants supporting mandibular overdentures Ten completely edentulous patients were selected from the outpatient clinic of the department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, to participate in this study. Their age ranged between 45 to 60 years old. Patients were selected free from systemic diseases, normal maxilla-mandibular relationship, adequate inter-arch space and sufficient bone thickness and height at the proposed implant sites. All patients were treated by conventional maxillary complete dentures and mandibular overdentures supported by four mini implants with ball head placed interforaminally. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: The first group (immediate loading group): immediately after implants placement, direct pick up procedure of the housings in the fitting surface of the lower denture was done and the denture was delivered immediately to the patient after occlusal adjustment and postoperative instructions. The second group (delayed loading group): after implants placement patients received mandibular overdentures that were adequately relieved to prevent any possible contact between the denture and the ball abutment of the implants, this was confirmed by proper seating without rocking and the use of pressure indicating paste. After 3 months the patients were recalled and, direct pick up procedures of the housings were done.