Unsplinted Implants Retaining Maxillary Overdentures with Partial Palatal Coverage: Report of 5 Consecutive Cases

Purpose: It is believed that maxillary dental implants must be splinted when used to retain removable overdenture prostheses in order to maintain osseointegration. This paper presents clinical cases to demonstrate that contemporary implants can function in an unsplinted manner to retain maxillary removable overdentures with partial palatal coverage. Materials and Methods: Five consecutive patients were treated using a specific surgical and prosthodontic protocol. Twenty-five textured-surface implants were placed to retain overdenture prostheses in five patients, with a minimum of 4 implants per patient. These patients were followed for 12 to 48 months postloading. Results: To date, none of the implants have lost osseointegration, and radiographic marginal bone levels are stable. Patients have been able to maintain soft tissue health around the unsplinted implants. The patients have verbally indicated that they are comfortable and that their maxillary overdentures function well. Conclusion: This preliminary report presents 5 consecutive cases in which unsplinted implants maintained osseointegration when used to retain removable overdenture prostheses with limited palatal coverage. It appears that unsplinted maxillary implants can be used to retain a maxillary overdenture. (Case Series) Keywords: maxilla, partial palatal coverage, unsplinted dental implants