Four implant bar-connected implants sufficient to support a maxillary overdenture

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Maxillary overdentures often lack retention and stability.
• Dental implants offer a solution for improved denture support.
• Bar-connected implant-supported overdentures enhance stability and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the treatment outcomes of maxillary overdentures supported by four versus six bar-connected implants.
• To evaluate radiographic bone levels, implant and overdenture survival rates, and soft tissue conditions.
• To assess patient satisfaction after one year of loading.

Main Methods:

• Randomised controlled trial involving edentulous patients.
• Patients received either a four or six implant-supported bar-connected maxillary overdenture.
• Outcome measures included radiographic bone level, implant/overdenture survival, soft tissue health, and patient satisfaction over 12 months.

Main Results:

• Mean marginal bone resorption was similar between the four-implant (0.24 mm) and six-implant (0.25 mm) groups.
• Implant survival was high (100% for four implants, 99.3% for six implants).
• Overdenture survival, soft tissue conditions, and patient satisfaction were comparable and improved in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Maxillary overdentures supported by four or six bar-connected implants yield comparable treatment outcomes after one year.
• Both treatment modalities result in high implant survival, healthy peri-implant tissues, and significant patient satisfaction.
• Four bar-connected implants are recommended for supporting maxillary overdentures due to cost-effectiveness.