A comparison between 4 and 6 implants in the maxillary posterior region to support an overdenture; 1-year results from a randomized controlled trial
, , , . A comparison between 4 and 6 implants in the maxillary posterior region to support an overdenture; 1-year results from a randomized controlled trial. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 00, 2013;1–7.
Abstract
Objective
To
compare the treatment outcome of 4 vs. 6 bar-connected implants in the
posterior region of the maxilla to support an overdenture during a
1-year follow-up period.
Materials and methods
Sixty-six
edentulous patients with an insufficient amount of bone volume in the
maxilla to place implants were asked to participate in this study.
Randomization assigned patients to either 4 or 6 implants. In all
patients, a maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure with bone from the
iliac crest was performed, and after a 3-month healing period, 4 or 6
dental implants were inserted in the maxillary posterior region in a
one-stage procedure. After 3 months of osseointegration, a bar-supported
overdenture was constructed. Implant survival, overdenture survival,
clinical scores, peri-implant bone height changes and patients'
satisfaction were assessed. Study analysis was performed according a
non-inferiority design.
Results
All
patients completed the one-year follow-up. After a functional period of
1-year, implant survival was 100% in the 4 implants group and 99.5% in
the 6 implants group. Overdenture survival was 100% in both groups. Mean
clinical scores were very low and did not significantly differ between
groups. Mean marginal bone resorption was 0.35 ± 0.31 mm and
0.46 ± 0.34 mm in the 4 and 6 implants group, respectively. Patients'
satisfaction improved significantly in both groups, but did not differ
between groups.
Conclusion
A
bar-supported overdenture on 4 implants in the posterior maxillary
region is not inferior to an overdenture supported by 6 bar-connected
dental implants.
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