Abstract Background: Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization enhances titanium implant bioactivity by removing surface hydrocarbons and restoring hydrophilicity, improving bone–implant interactions. However, the clinical performance of short-duration UV activation using the DIO UV Activator in overdenture applications remains limited. Objectives: The objective is to assess the clinical and radiographic effects of 20-s photofunctionalization of titanium implants retaining mandibular complete overdentures. Materials and Methods: In this prospective split-mouth clinical trial, twenty edentulous patients received two mandibular implants each (3.7 mm × 10 mm, Staumann) in a split-mouth design: One implant was photofunctionalized for 20 s using the DIO UV Activator, and the contralateral served as control. Clinical parameters – probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), implant stability quotient (ISQ) – and marginal bone loss (MBL) were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: All 40 implants survived with uneventful healing. At 3 months, UV-treated implants showed a higher mean ISQ (78.4 ± 3.1) than controls (74.6 ± 3.7; P < 0.05) and lower MBL (0.42 ± 0.18 mm vs. 0.66 ± 0.21 mm; P = 0.002). At 6 months, the UV-treated group maintained superior ISQ (78.6 ± 3.0 vs. 75.8 ± 3.5; P = 0.018), lower PPD (1.81 ± 0.29 mm vs. 1.98 ± 0.34 mm; P = 0.041), and reduced MBL (0.43 ± 0.17 mm vs. 0.55 ± 0.20 mm; P = 0.008). At 12 months, these advantages persisted, with lower PPD (1.86 ± 0.32 mm vs. 2.11 ± 0.39 mm; P = 0.021), less BoP (15% vs. 30%), and significantly lower MBL (0.42 ± 0.18 mm vs. 0.66 ± 0.21 mm; P = 0.002). Conclusions: A 20-s UV photofunctionalization protocol using the DIO UV Activator significantly enhanced implant stability and reduced marginal bone loss throughout the 12-month follow-up. This rapid, chairside technique is simple, cost-effective, and clinically beneficial for improving osseointegration in mandibular overdenture patients.
Alkhodary et al. (Wed,) studied this question.