Stabilization of mandibular complete dentures by four mini implants: Impact on masticatory function

Abstract Objectives The frequent instability of mandibular removable complete dentures causes an alteration of mastication. An innovative therapeutic strategy involves placing four symphyseal mini implants. This study aimed at assessing the development of masticatory parameters and the impact on quality of life in subjects that underwent this procedure. Methods Eleven edentulous subjects (mean age 72 ± 11 years) with unstable mandibular complete dentures were followed-up before (T0) and two − three months after (T1) mini implant setting. Physiological parameters (number of cycles, duration of sequence and frequency of mastication) during the mastication of food models and the bolus median particle size (d50) of carrot were evaluated at each time. Quality of life was assessed at T0 and T1 using the Global Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Parametric tests were used to test relationships between mastication, quality of life variations and mini implant setting, and to compare each parameter mean value at times T0 and T1. Results More subjects were able to chew carrot after setting the mini implants (8 subjects compared to 4 at T0). This improvement was accompanied by changes in kinematic parameters when chewing carrots, soft and hard model food, and by an improvement of their quality of life. However, the particle size values observed in the bolus remained higher than for normal dentate subjects (9.2 ± 2.8 mm). Conclusions These results indicated that the placement of mini implants as retentive elements for mandibular full dentures had a positive impact on patients’ masticatory function and quality of life. Clinical significance The placement of mini implants has a positive impact on the masticatory function and oral health quality of life. The results suggest that this alternative procedure can be used as a treatment option for patients unable to receive conventional implants.