Preliminary clinical study of microimplants in the restoration of edentulous jaws / 中华口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate if magnetic- attached overdenture supported by microimplants of 2.5 mm in diameter was able to function properly.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fourteen microimplants were placed in 4 patients. Implants were exposed 3 months later and magnetic abutments were connected directly. X-ray was taken during the 3 year follow-up to examine marginal bone level. Peri-implant soft tissue was also checked. Denture retention, chewing stability and overall satisfaction with the microimplants retained overdenture were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the 14 microimplants achieved initial primary stability without infection or any other postoperative complications. No implant was lost during the follow-up period. Only one magnetic abutment fractured one year after restoration and was replaced. X-ray showed highly stable marginal bone level around the microimplants. The patients were satisfied with the restoration.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The microimplants retained overdenture leads to a significant improvement of function despite of the small dimensions of these implants. In particular for elder patients with severe residual ridge resorption, this treatment represents a less invasive alternative compared to conventional implant systems.</p>