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Fixed full‐arch maxillary prostheses supported by four versus six implants with a titanium CAD/CAM milled framework: 3‐year multicentre RCT
Author(s) -
Toia Marco,
Stocchero Michele,
Corrà Enrico,
Becktor Jonas P.,
Wennerberg Ann,
Cecchinato Denis
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical oral implants research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.407
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1600-0501
pISSN - 0905-7161
DOI - 10.1111/clr.13679
Subject(s) - medicine , dentistry , implant , randomized controlled trial , dentures , radiography , surgery
Abstract Objectives This RCT compares marginal bone level (MBL) change and the clinical parameters after a 3‐year function in maxillary implant‐supported fixed complete dentures (FCDs) treated with four‐implants (4‐I) or six‐implants (6‐I). Material and method Three centres treated 56 patients with 280 implants allocated to the 4‐I or 6‐I group. Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed. The primary outcome was to investigate MBL change between the groups. Results Implant survival rates were 100% and 99% in the 4‐I and 6‐I groups, respectively. Considering the clustering effects, the MBL change was not significantly different between the groups over the 3‐year follow‐up. The MBL in the 4‐I group was 0.30 ± 0.50 mm at baseline, 0.24 ± 0.31 mm at 1 year and 0.24 ± 0.38 mm at 3 years. In the 6‐I group, MBL was 0.14 ± 0.32 mm at baseline, 0.16 ± 0.35 mm at 1 year and 0.12 ± 0.26 mm at 3 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups at BL and 3Y. No significant differences between the groups were reported for clinical parameters at each time point as well as in between the visits. The technical and biological complications rates were 1.6% and 6.0%, respectively. Prosthetic complications affected 25 FCDs (47.2%). Conclusion Marginal bone level change revealed a stable condition in the 3‐year period in the two groups. Few technical and biological complications occurred apart from the chipping/fracture of the prosthetic teeth. Four‐implant is a feasible solution if the rehabilitation is oriented towards the most cost‐effective treatment and towards avoiding bone augmentation procedures. Clinicians have to consider the potential required visits for prosthetic maintenance.