Narrow Implants and Overdentures in the Total Rehabilitation of Atrophic Edentulous Jaws: Review of Clinical Aspects with Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: The present study analyzes the clinical aspects of the use of small-diameter implants for the fixation of total overdenture-type prostheses on both totally edentulous dental arches. Materials and methods: This is a review of all randomized controlled trials of at least ten patients with a control group in which at least two narrow implants were placed, published between January 2010 and July 2023. Most databases were analyzed, and clinical studies involving the insertion of at least two narrow implants (<3.5 mm in diameter) were analyzed. Results: Studies showed that the survival rate of narrow implants varied from 78% to 100%. Conclusions: The results indicated that narrow-type implants have satisfactory and predictable clinical performance for the long-term stability of overdenture-type prostheses.

Influence of Implant Number on Peri-Implant and Posterior Edentulous Area Strains in Mandibular Overdentures Retained by the New Ti–Zr (Roxolid®) Mini-Implants as Single-Units: In Vitro Study

“…In completely edentulous patients with a reduced alveolar ridge width, the insertion of four mini-dental implants (MDI) for mandibular overdenture (OD) retention and support is the alternative option to the insertion of two standard-sized implants [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Bone augmentation can be avoided by the insertion of narrow implants, which shortens the duration of treatment, providing a less traumatic surgical protocol [1][2][3][4][5].…”

“…Narrow implants are usually made of Ti90Al6V4 alloy, which has better mechanical properties than pure titanium. The insertion of four MDIs made of Ti90Al6V4 alloy in the mandible has been approved as a successful treatment option for the retention of a mandibular OD in many prospective clinical studies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][13][14][15].…”