No difference between splinted and unsplinted implants to support overdentures.
METHODS
The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Medline (PubMed) together with handsearching of a range of relevant journals.


METHODS
Studies were screened by two authors and randomised clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies with a mean follow-up of at least three years were included. Articles published in English or German were considered.


METHODS
Information on the survival rates of the implants and of the implant-supported reconstructions as well as on the biological and technical complications was extracted and a qualitative synthesis conducted.


RESULTS
Twelve studies were included of which six were randomised controlled trials. After three years there was no difference in implant survival rates between splinted and unsplinted design. Most of the included studies noted that the unsplinted design needs more prosthetic maintenance. No significant difference in the peri-implant outcome between splinted and unsplinted design was found. In more of the studies that considered patient satisfaction, no significant difference in the preference of the patients was reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Within the limits of this systematic review, it is concluded that there was no significant difference between the two different designs of implant-supported overdentures with respect to the soft tissue health status or patient satisfaction, although the bar-supported overdentures have been shown to need less prosthetic maintenance.
Dept. of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Asim
A
Al-Ansari