Maintenance Requirements of Screw- Retained Implant Prosthesis versus Telescopic Overdenture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Statement of problem: There is little information about the maintenance requirements of implant restorations. Purpose: To compare the prosthodontic maintenance requirements of screw-retained implant prosthesis versus that of telescopic overdentures after an observation period of 18 months. Materials and methods: 26 completely edentulous patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two equal groups receiving either screw-retained restorations or telescopic overdentures which were supported on four maxillary and four mandibular implants. A follow up protocol at the day of loading, 6months, 12 months and 18 months was scheduled to assess maintenance requirements. During the follow-up period, prosthodontic complications for the screw-retained restorations and telescopic overdentures were registered and calculated. Results: The total incidence of prosthetic complications recorded was 10 events in the removable group and 14 events in the fixed group. Regarding the removable group the most common complications were screw loosening of the abutment and prosthetic teeth fracture. While screw loosening of the abutments and prosthesis, fractured acrylic resin, fracture of teeth and remake of the prosthesis occurred in the fixed group. The results of the study revealed that there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Prosthodontic maintenance with implant prosthesis should be considered when planning and estimating the costs of the prosthetic components of implant rebabilitation.