Treatment Outcomes of Four‐Implant‐Retained Maxillary Palateless Overdenture: A 5‐Year Observational Study

Abstract

IntroductionPalateless overdentures (PLODs) provide advantages of improved taste perception and retention over conventional dentures. We aimed to evaluate 5‐year outcomes of four implant maxillary PLODs.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, edentulous participants were enrolled. A new conventional maxillary denture was prepared followed by implant placement and insertion of four implant retained maxillary PLOD. Oral health quality of life was assessed using the 49‐item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐49) at multiple intervals over 5 years along with biological and mechanical outcomes.ResultsNine patients were evaluated at year 5. The mean age was 68 years, and six of the nine patients were males. The cumulative survival rate of implants was 100% while the implant success rate was 86%. Nylon retentive replacement was the most common encountered complication noted approximately four times per patient over 5 years. From a mean OHIP‐49 severity score of 71.2 at baseline, severity scores decreased to 23.9 (p < 0.001) at year 1, denoting a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in oral health quality of life. The lowered OHIP‐49 severity scores remained stable throughout 5 years of follow‐up.ConclusionFour implant supported maxillary overdenture appears to have good patient perceived, biological and mechanical outcomes over 5 years. Fully powered studies are needed to replicate these findings.