A comparison of 2-piece single conventional and mini single implant retained mandibular overdenture in controlled diabetic individuals: A randomised controlled trial

Background: Implant-retained overdentures are now the preferred treatment for mandibular removable dentures. However, there is a lack of comprehensive clinical studies comparing the performance of a single mini dental implant to conventional dental implant for implant-retained mandibular overdentures. The aim of the study is to evaluate the crestal bone loss and the patient satisfaction between single conventional and mini-implant supported mandibular overdenture.Materials and Methods: 22 participants satisfying the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. The participants were randomly assigned into two groups (Group A – Conventional implant and Group B – Mini implant). Each group had 11 participants; a single implant was placed in symphysis of the mandible. Conventional loading protocol was followed after 3 months. Crestal bone loss was assessed with CBCT at mesial, distal, buccal, lingual sites immediately after implant placement, 3rd month (loading), and 9th month from implant placement. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a questionnaire at the end of 9th month.Results: There was no statistical significance between the two groups immediately after placing the implant. At 3rd and 9th month the crestal bone loss was higher in conventional implant group. Overall, the patient satisfaction showed no statistical difference between the two groups.Conclusion: Mini-implants show promising results in terms of lower crestal bone resorption and certain aspects of patient satisfaction compared to conventional implants. These findings support the consideration of mini implants as a preferable option in specific clinical scenarios.