Fixed Full-Arch Maxillary Prostheses Supported by Four Versus Six Implants: 5-Year Results of a Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This 5-year multicenter randomized clinical trial assessed the non-inferiority of maxillary implant-supported fixed complete dentures (FCDs) with four (4-I) compared to six implants (6-I) in terms of radiographic marginal bone level (MBL) changes after 5 years in function.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Individuals were randomly assigned to the 4-I or 6-I groups. Follow-ups occurred at 1, 3, and 5 years. At each visit, FCDs were unscrewed, clinical parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and keratinized mucosa width) were recorded using a periodontal probe, periapical radiographs were obtained, and maintenance care was performed. MBL changes, incidence of techincal, prosthetic, and biological complications, treatments costs, and satisfaction were evaluated.
RESULTS
Of 47 patients rehabiliated with 233 implants, survival rates were 99.3% for 6-I and 100% for 4-I (one early failure; 6-I group). No significant MBL differences were observed at 5 years between and within the groups. Both groups showed a decrease in keratinized mucosa width and experienced prosthetic and biological complications, but no peri-implantitis. The 4-I exhibited a significantly higher incidence of technical complications (16.6% vs. 0%) Cost analysis favored 4-I for initial and total costs. Clinician and patient satisfaction varied, with 4-I preferred aesthetically and 6-I functionally, particularly in speaking ability at earlier follow-ups.
CONCLUSION
The use of FCDs supported by…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 47 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
- A new aging measure captures morbidity and mortality risk across diverse subpopulations from NHANES IV: A cohort study
- Fruit, vegetable, and legume intake, and cardiovascular disease and deaths in 18 countries (PURE): a prospective cohort study
- Are noise and air pollution related to the incidence of dementia? A cohort study in London, England
- Long COVID symptoms and duration in SARS-CoV-2 positive children — a nationwide cohort study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.