Implant therapy has been shown to positively affect edentulous patients’ chewing, mastication, nutrition, and quality of life (QoL). The success rates among elderly patients are as good as those seen in younger patients, so age is not a disqualifying factor. However, the use of implants is still relatively low in developed countries because most edentulous patients are satisfied with their complete dentures, implant overdentures cost several times more than complete dentures, and patients often
One hundred thirty-three patients (79 women, 54 men, mean age 71.2 years, range 48 to 100 years) from nine private practices who received 738 implants were evaluated through their dental records, questionnaires, and clinical examinations. Mean observation time was 27.1 months, with a range of 10.1 to 58.2 months, for the maxillary implants and 29.4 months, with a range of 7.2 to 61.6 months, for the mandibular implants. Measurements included number and type of complications, maintenance
Most of the implants were located anterior to the molars in the maxilla and anterior to the second premolars in the mandible. All of the mini-implants were restored first by rebasing the dentures with a soft liner, and then the female housings were added 3 to 4 months later.
The 4-year cumulative survival rates were 94.3% for the maxillary implants and 95.7% for the mandibular implants. The difference was not statistically significant. All of the original dentures were functional, with a range
Mini-implants offer an alternative for older patients with comorbidities, providing a less invasive, more rapid, and cost effective option that results in improved QoL. Clinical Significance The survival of the overdentures retained by mini-implants was similar to that for regular implants. The advantages associated with the mini-implants include their minimally invasive preparation, cost-effectiveness, and short duration of treatment. Recognizing these effects, elderly patients may be more
Mundt T, Schwahn C, Stark T, et al: Clinical response of edentulous people treated with mini dental implants in nine dental practices. Gerodontology 32:179-187, 2015
Reprints available from T Mundt, Dept of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Biomaterials, Ctr of Oral Health, Univ Medicine of Griefswald, Rotgerberstrasse 8, D-17475; fax: +49-3834-867148; e-mail: [email protected]
