Rehabilitation of atrophic mandible with ultrashort implants combined with photobiomodulation therapy: A split-mouth design study

Abstract

Background: Atrophic edentulous mandible is a challenging clinical condition. Studies assessing the use of ultrashort implants to support overdentures are scarce; the optimum photobiomodulation (PBM) dose for enhancing osseointegration is yet unknown. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare mandibular overdentures assisted by two versus four ultrashort implants with adjunctive PBM therapy using two doses. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 implants were placed in 12 edentulous male participants and they were randomly allocated to Group I (mandibular overdentures assisted by two ultrashort implants) or Group II (by four ultrashort implants). Fully guided implant placement was performed, and then a split-mouth design was implemented. The participants received PBM by diode laser (660 nm). Dose A (3.75 J/cm²) and Dose B (7.5 J/cm²) were applied to the right and left implant (s), respectively. Implant stability, peri-implant probing depth (PIPD), and modified gingival index (MGI) were evaluated at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months after loading. Results: After 12 months, the implant stability values were significantly higher in Group II compared with Group I (<i>P</i> < 0.001). A significant difference was observed in between the PIPDs of both groups (Group I: 2.35 ± 0.54 mm; Group II: 1.69 ± 0.35 mm;<i> P </i>= 0.001). The mean MGI values were low for both groups (Group I: 0.75 ± 0.58; Group II: 0.51 ± 0.41). Conclusions: Mandibular overdentures supported by four ultrashort implants had a more favorable clinical outcome, while PBM doses A and B were comparable in all evaluated parameters. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03540316.