Successful outcome of splinted implants supporting a ‘planned’ maxillary overdenture: a retrospective evaluation and comparison with fixed full dental prostheses

OBJECTIVE: Whereas an overdenture concept is generally accepted for the mandible, the outcome of this therapy for the maxilla remains less documented. This retrospective analysis evaluated the peri-implant parameters of implants supporting a 'planned' overdenture in the maxilla, and compared these data with those of an age-matched control group, with a fixed full dental prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with an implant-supported overdenture in the maxilla from the Leuven University Hospital (at least 12 months in function) were recalled for a thorough examination. Forty-four patients (162 implants, Brånemark type) could be enrolled. RESULTS: The mean loading time was 9 years (range: >1 to >20 years). The cumulative survival rate after 10 years of function was 99.3% if four to six interconnected implants supported the overdenture, but only 85.7% in case two non-connected implants were used as support. The marginal bone level in the former group remained stable, with changes comparable with those observed for implants supporting fixed full dental prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: These results fully support the overdenture treatment concept for the maxilla, at least when > or =4 splinted implants are used.