Prosthetic complications of implant-supported overdentures: a retrospective study on the influence of attachment type and implant number.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the complications associated with implant-supported overdentures (IODs) by comparing splinted and unsplinted attachment systems with varying numbers of implants in the maxilla and mandible.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in complication rates was found between splinted and unsplinted systems (p < 0.05), with unsplinted systems demonstrating higher rates. The number of implants did not significantly affect the incidence of complications (p > 0.05). During the first two years, deformation of the retentive part was the most common complication in all the groups. From the third year to the fifth year, four-implant systems more frequently exhibited retention loss and attachment wear, whereas two- and three-implant systems continued to show deformation of the retentive part.