J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2009 Jan;31(1):67-70.

Mini-implants to restore missing teeth in severe ridge deficiency and small interdental space

• Seo MH
• Yoo CK
• Lee EK
• Jung DU
• Suh JD
• Chung IH

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study presents the use of mini implants for fixed restoration and implant supported overdenture to enable the practitioner to overcome the anatomic obstacles of ridge width and narrow interdental space.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This study consisted of 9 patients who required single implants for one or two teeth replacement and 1 patient who required implant supported overdenture after mandiblectomy, iliac bone graft due to ghost cell tumor. The ages ranged from 29 to 70 years (mean 51) All patients were in good health. Clinical and radiographs were taken pretreatment, postoperatively, during rehabilitation, and at follow ups.
RESULTS
Total implant survival rate was 94.7%. One implant was removed due to its mobility as a result of bad bone quality (Type IV) and patient's carelessness (Heavy smoker). All patients except one reported complete satisfaction regarding to function, aesthetics, and phonetics. Radiographic follow up every 3months postoperatively showed success in achieving function and maintaining marginal bone level.
CONCLUSION
Clinician can overcome both severe ridge deficiency and small interdental space with mini implant.

Keyword

Mini-implant; Alveolar bone deficiency

MeSH Terms

Denture, Overlay
Esthetics
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Phonetics
Survival Rate
Tooth
Transplants