Are Root-Supported Overdentures Still an Alternative to Implant-Supported Overdentures? A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Dental Prosthodontics
• Oral Rehabilitation
• Biomaterials in Dentistry

Background:

• Complete dentures pose challenges in masticatory efficiency and patient satisfaction.
• Mandibular overdentures offer improved stability and function compared to conventional dentures.
• Root-supported overdentures (RSOs) and implant-supported overdentures (ISOs) are common prosthetic options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical outcomes of complete maxillary dentures opposed by either root-supported mandibular overdentures (RSOs) or implant-supported mandibular overdentures (ISOs).
• To systematically review existing literature comparing RSOs and ISOs in patients with a complete maxillary denture.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across seven major electronic databases.
• Keywords were developed by investigators and a health sciences librarian to ensure thoroughness.
• Included studies directly compared outcomes for RSOs versus ISOs in the specified patient group.

Main Results:

• Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, but limitations included small sample sizes and varied methodologies.
• No significant differences were found in prosthodontic complications, patient satisfaction, or ease of cleaning.
• Root-supported overdentures (RSOs) showed superior oral tactile sensibility, while implant-supported overdentures (ISOs) demonstrated higher maximum bite force.

Conclusions:

• The review's findings were largely inconclusive due to limited comparative research on critical outcomes.
• Implant-supported overdentures (ISOs) appear to offer better maximum bite force and survival rates but incur higher costs and maintenance.
• The choice between RSOs and ISOs may depend on shared decision-making between patients and clinicians, given the current evidence.