Aim of the study: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of mandibular overdentures retained by 2 short implants in combination with two different doses of PBM.
Materials and methods: 6 edentulous patients received 2 short implants in canine area. Implants were inserted via stereolithographic surgical guide. Patients received 5 PBM sessions immediately after surgery and every 48 hours. Group A (n =6) right side implants received dose of 2.4 J/cm2, and group B (n=6) left side implants received dose 4.8 J/cm2. Implants were loaded after 3 months. Each implant was evaluated at time of initial prosthetic loading and 6 months later for peri-implant probing depth (PIPD), modified gingival index (MGI), and vertical bone loss. Implant stability was assessed at the time of surgery and 6 months after loading.
Results: The findings indicate that after 6 months, two short implant retained overdentures showed no biological nor mechanical complications. A minor but significant increase (P < 0.05) was observed in the PIPD after 6 months in both groups. The MGI values were very low. Radiographic evaluation revealed minimal insignificant marginal bone loss (P > 0.05) 0.51+30, 0.38+28 for group A and group B respectively. Implant stability values for group A were almost maintained and there was a slight increase in group B after 6 months. Insignificantly better results were reported with group B.
Conclusion: Two short implant retained overdenture can be a viable option for atrophic mandibles, PBM dose of 4.8 J/cm2 has a potential positive influence on healing and osseointegration.