Small-Diameter Implants for Lower Partial Dentures
Small-diameter implants can also be a very useful option for lower partial dentures, as illustrated in Figures 11 to 13. This is a situation that is often encountered in dental offices. As seen, this patient had retained teeth Nos. 27, 28, and 31. Her existing partial denture had clasps placed around these teeth for stabilization. However, there were no teeth on the opposite side for the denture to be anchored to (Kennedy classification 2).
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Figure 11. In this case, an existing partial denture used clasps around Teeth Nos. 27, 28, and 31 for retention, but there was no stabilization of the opposite side. |
Figure 12. Two small-diameter implants were placed in the positions of Teeth Nos. 21 and 22. |
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Figure 13. The patient’s partial denture was then adapted to fit the small-diameter implants. |
Two small-diameter implants were placed in the positions of Nos. 21 and 22, and the patient’s partial denture was adapted to fit the metal housings. After the treatment was completed in less than an hour, the patient was much more satisfied with the increased retention of her partial denture.
CLOSING COMMENTS
The stability level of a denture can have significant effects on a patient’s quality of life. For example, when loose dentures impede a proper diet, the patient’s systemic health can be negatively impacted. It is vital for dentists to have discussions with edentulous and partially edentulous patients about their current satisfaction level with their existing (partial/full) denture(s). Then, the patient should be presented with any possible options to increase retention and stability to improve their satisfaction level.
For patients who do opt to pursue removable prosthetic implant treatment, small-diameter implants can very often be a more affordable and satisfying solution than some standard-diameter implant treatments. Studies have shown the survival rate of small-diameter implants to ranges from 91.2% to 96.3%, comparable to the success of traditional implants. The added benefits of small-diameter implants—their minimal invasiveness, lower cost, compatibility with areas where there is less bone volume, ability to be immediately loaded, reduced chair time for placement, and overall treatment length—make them a viable treatment option for many patients.