Abstract
Design
Randomised controlled trial.
Intervention
Edentulous patients aged at least 18 years with lack of retention and stability of the upper denture and lower denture were randomised to receive a maxillary overdenture supported by either four or six bar-connected implants.
Outcome measure
The primary outcome measure was change of radiographic bone level. Secondary outcome measures were implant survival, overdenture survival and soft tissue conditions (plaque index, presence of calculus, gingiva index, sulcus bleeding index and pocket probing depth). These were scored at placement of the overdenture and after 12 months of loading. Patient satisfaction was also scored at baseline and at 12 months.
Results
Forty-nine patients (one drop out) completed the one year follow-up. Mean marginal bone resorption was 0.24 ± 0.32 mm in the four implants group and 0.25 ± 0.29 mm in the six implants group. Implant survival was 100% in the four implants group and 99.3% in the six implants group (one implant lost). Overdenture survival was 100% in both groups. There were no differences in the soft tissue outcomes between the groups. Patient satisfaction had improved in both groups.
Conclusions
After one year a bar-connected maxillary overdenture on four or six implants results in a comparable treatment outcome with high implant survival, healthy peri-implant tissues and high patient satisfaction. For reasons of cost-effectiveness, treatment with four bar-connected implants to support a maxillary overdenture is preferred.
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Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Address for correspondence: Wim Slot, Department of Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics, Dental School, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. E-mail: j.w.a.slot@umcg.nl
Slot W, Raghoebar GM, Vissink A, Meijer HJ. Maxillary overdentures supported by four or six implants in the anterior region; 1-year results from a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Periodontol 2013; 40: 303–310.
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Calvert, G., Lamont, T. Four implant bar-connected implants sufficient to support a maxillary overdenture. Evid Based Dent 14, 49–50 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400934
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400934
