The Socket Shield Technique: Stability of the Buccal Peri-implant Bone after Partial Root Removal - A Prospective Case Series of 20 patients, with 18 Months Follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to collect data on implant survival, bone volume maintenance, and complications associated with the socket shield technique. BACKGROUND DATA: The socket shield technique was introduced in 2010. Since then, several systematic reviews have been published, showing good clinical outcomes. The behaviour of the buccal bone plate is so far not completely understood. METHODS: The study involved the placement of 23 implants using the socket shield technique in 20 patients. AstraTech EV implants were used, and no bone substitutes or connective tissue grafts were applied. Patients were monitored for 18 months, recording implant survival, volumetric bone analysis on CBCT scans, interproximal bone levels, bone sounding, pink esthetic scores, and complications. Prosthetic procedures were also described, including temporary and final restorations. RESULTS: A 95.7% cumulative 18-month implant survival rate was obtained using the socket shield technique, with a significant but limited reduction in buccal bone thickness (BBT) after implant placement. One implant did not integrate and two shields were partially exposed. The mean pink esthetic score, 1 year after loading was 12.93 ± 1.22. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the socket shield technique can result in limited reduction of the buccal bone volume, with a high implant survival rate. Re-entry studies are recommended to investigate the causes of bone resorption.

Efficacy and cost analysis of intravenous conscious sedation for long oral surgery procedures.

The aim of this study was to determine what is considered a long oral surgery and conduct a cost-effective analysis of sedative agents used for intravenous sedation (IVS) and sedation protocols for such procedures. Pubmed and Google Scholar databases were used to identify human studies employing IVS for extractions and implant-related surgeries, between 2003 and July/2023. Sedation protocols and procedure lengths were documented. Sedative satisfaction, operator satisfaction, and sedation assessment were also recorded. Cost estimation was based on The British National Formulary (BNF). To assess bias, the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools were employed. This review identified 29 randomised control trials (RCT), six cohorts, 14 case-series, and one case-control study. The study defined long procedures with an average duration of 31.33 minutes for extractions and 79.37 minutes for implant-related surgeries. Sedative agents identified were midazolam, dexmedetomidine, propofol, and remimazolam. Cost analysis revealed midazolam as the most cost-effective option (<10 pence per procedure per patient) and propofol the most expensive option (approximately £46.39). Bias analysis indicated varying degrees of bias in the included studies. Due to diverse outcome reporting, a comparative network approach was employed and revealed benefits of using dexmedetomidine, propofol, and remimazolam over midazolam. Midazolam, dexmedetomidine, propofol, and remimazolam demonstrated safety and efficacy as sedative agents for conscious IVS in extended procedures like extractions or implant-related surgeries. While midazolam is the most cost-effective option, dexmedetomidine, propofol, and remimazolam offer subjective and clinical benefits. The relatively higher cost of propofol may impede its widespread use. Dexmedetomidine and remimazolam stand out as closely priced options, necessitating further clinical investigations for comparative efficacy assessment.

Analysis of acupoint massage combined with touch on relieving anxiety and pain in patients with oral implant surgery.

BACKGROUND: Oral implant surgery is an effective procedure for artificial implants in missing tooth areas under local anesthesia. Because patients under local anesthesia are conscious during this procedure, compared with general anesthesia-related operations, they are more likely to experience negative emotions, such as anxiety and tension. These emotional reactions result in shivering and chills in the limbs, leading to poor doctor-patient cooperation and even avoidance of treatment. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that acupoint massage regulates blood and Qi, dredge menstruation, and relieve pain, which is beneficial for patients' emotional adjustment; however, there are few related clinical studies. AIM: To observe the changes in anxiety and pain in patients with oral implant after acupoint massage combined with touch therapy. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing oral implantation in our hospital between May 2020 and May 2023 were randomly divided into control and study groups, according to a random number table, with 50 patients in each group. The control group received routine intervention, and the study group received acupoint massage combined with touch on the basis of the control group. Anxiety [assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS)], pain severity, blood pressure, heart rate, and satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Before intervention, the difference in MDAS score between the two groups was not significant (P > 0.05), while after the intervention, the MDAS scores decreased in both groups compared with those before the intervention (P < 0.05); the MDAS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The degree of pain in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures or heart rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). The systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate in the intervention group, during and after the intervention, were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The total degree of satisfaction in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint massage combined with touch better relieves anxiety and pain in patients undergoing dental implant surgery, improving the perioperative comfort of these patients and ensuring safety and a smooth operation.

3D-printed bredigite scaffolds with ordered arrangement structures promote bone regeneration by inducing macrophage polarization in onlay grafts.

Bone tissue engineering scaffolds may provide a potential strategy for onlay bone grafts for oral implants. For determining the fate of scaffold biomaterials and osteogenesis effects, the host immune response is crucial. In the present study, bredigite (BRT) bioceramic scaffolds with an ordered arrangement structure (BRT-O) and a random morphology (BRT-R) were fabricated. The physicochemical properties of scaffolds were first characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical test and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, their osteogenic and immunomodulatory properties in an onlay grafting model were investigated. In vitro, the BRT-O scaffolds facilitated the macrophage polarization towards a pro-regenerative M2 phenotype, which subsequently facilitated the migration and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. In vivo, an onlay grafting model was successfully established in the cranium of rabbits. In addition, the BRT-O scaffolds grafted on rabbit cranium promoted bone regeneration and CD68 + CD206 + M2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, the 3D-printed BRT-O scaffold presents as a promising scaffold biomaterial for onlay grafts by regulating the local immune microenvironment.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), a Novel Method for Transferring Oral Implant Primary Failures to Final Clinical Success: A Test Case Report Followed up over More than 6 Years.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of reversing a primary failure through therapeutic mechanical stimulation induced by transcutaneous application of acoustic waves (ESWT) in the peri-implant tissues. Materials and Μethods: This clinical report evaluates the outcome of a new protocol proposed to treat a primary failure (loosened oral implant); application of three cycles of ESWT, once session per week for 3 consecutive weeks, with an equivalent positive energy of 0,18 mJ/mm² (therapeutic dose: 2000 impulses/ 8Hz/ 4.0 bar). Standardized intraoral radiographs, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) and clinical evaluations were performed. RESULTS: It was possible to verify a progressive increase in the ISQ value after the ESWT protocol; 17 (initial), 46 (after two months) and 68 (after four months), which led to successful implant prosthetic rehabilitation (35 N/cm measured). Our evaluation at 6 years of follow-up confirms that the new bone-implant interface is preserved and ESWT as a safe non-invasive treatment. CONCLUSION: In the context of the new dynamic model of osseointegration, the Foreign Body Equilibrium (FBE), this represents the first report of a host-Implant equilibrium re-established after an early failure process. However, it is necessary to perform studies to determine both the medical device and the most effective therapeutic range for clinical applications of this technology in oral implantology.

Analysis of soft tissue integration-supportive cell functions in gingival fibroblasts cultured on 3D printed biomaterials for oral implant-supported prostheses.

To date, it is unknown whether 3D printed fixed oral implant-supported prostheses can achieve comparable soft tissue integration (STI) to clinically established subtractively manufactured counterparts. STI is mediated among others by gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and is modulated by biomaterial surface characteristics. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the GF response of a 3D printed methacrylate photopolymer and a hybrid ceramic-filled methacrylate photopolymer for fixed implant-supported prostheses in the sense of supporting an STI. Subtractively manufactured samples made from methacrylate polymer and hybrid ceramic were evaluated for comparison and samples from yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP), comprising well documented biocompatibility, served as control. Surface topography was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and interferometry, elemental composition by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and wettability by contact angle measurement. The response of GFs obtained from five donors was examined in terms of membrane integrity, adhesion, morphogenesis, metabolic activity, and proliferation behavior by a lactate-dehydrogenase assay, fluorescent staining, a resazurin-based assay, and DNA quantification. The results revealed all surfaces were smooth and hydrophilic. GF adhesion, metabolic activity and proliferation were impaired by 3D printed biomaterials compared to subtractively manufactured comparison surfaces and the 3Y-TZP control, whereas membrane integrity was comparable. Within the limits of the present investigation, it was concluded that subtractively manufactured surfaces are superior compared to 3D printed surfaces to support STI. For the development of biologically optimized 3D printable biomaterials, consecutive studies will focus on the improvement of cytocompatibility and the synthesis of STI-relevant extracellular matrix constituents.

Restoration of a dental defect in a patient with ectodermal dysplasia: a case report and literature review / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To explore the treatment options for congenitally missing teeth in patients with ectodermal dysplasia and provide a clinical reference.@*Methods@#A patient with ectodermal dysplasia with a concave midface, anterior protrusion of the chin, and underdevelopment of the lower third of the face presented with congenital loss of multiple maxillary teeth, malocclusion of the remaining teeth, congenital loss of mandibular dentition, small dental arches, and upper and lower alveolar bone hypoplasia. The patient was treated by means of a removable partial maxillary prosthesis, implants in the anterior region of the lower mandible designed with the assistance of digital guides, and bar-clamped implant-overlay prostheses. A literature review of the protocol for the treatment of this condition was also conducted.@*Results@#In addition to good retention and stability after denture wear, an excellent occlusal relationship, improvement of the patient's facial appearance, including upper and lower lip fullness, more equal balancing of the lower and middle 1/3 of the face, and improved masticatory function were achieved. The results of the literature review showed that patients with ectodermal dysplasia who are congenitally edentulous usually have a complex intraoral situation that makes restoration difficult, and common restorative modalities for these patients include fixed bridges, removable partial dentures, complete dentures, overdentures, and implant prostheses, which need to be selected according to the actual intraoral situation of each patient. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment of congenitally missing teeth in patients with ectodermal dysplasia, and some scholars have suggested that fixed restorations be recommended for patients with fewer missing teeth, while the option of removable or implant-covered denture restorations should be given to patients with more missing teeth, with removeable prostheses for underage patients that are replaced with permanent fixed prostheses when the jaws have stabilized.@*Conclusion@#In patients with ectodermal dysplasia with congenital tooth loss, all factors should be taken into account, and an individualized restorative plan should be developed.

Non-invasive oral implant position assessment: An ex vivo study using a 3D industrial scan as the reference model to mimic the clinical situation.

AIM: To introduce an objective method to evaluate the accuracy of implant position assessment in partially edentulous patients by comparing different techniques (conventional impression, intraoral scan, CBCT) to a reference 3D model obtained with an industrial scanner, the latter mimicking the clinical situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine implants were placed in four human cadaver heads using a fully guided flapless protocol. Implant position was assessed using (a) a conventional impression, (b) an intraoral scan, and (c) CBCT and compared to an industrial scan. Three-dimensional models of intraoral scan body and implant were registered to the arch models and the deviation at implant shoulder, apex, and the angle of deviation were compared to each other as well as to the reference model. RESULTS: The three assessment techniques showed statistically significant deviations (p < .01) from the industrial scan, for all measurements, with no difference between the techniques. The maximum deviation at the implant shoulder was 0.16 mm. At the implant apex this increased to 0.38 mm. The intraoral scan deviated significantly more than the CBCT (0.12 mm, p < .01) and the conventional impression (0.10 mm, p = .02). The maximum implant angle deviation was 1.0°. The intraoral scan deviated more than the conventional impression (0.3°, p = .02). CONCLUSION: All assessment techniques deviated from the reference industrial scan, but the differences were relatively small. Intraoral scans were slightly less accurate than both conventional impressions and CBCT. Depending on the application, however, this inaccuracy may not be clinically relevant.

OII-DS: A benchmark Oral Implant Image Dataset for object detection and image classification evaluation.

In recent years, there is been a growing reliance on image analysis methods to bolster dentistry practices, such as image classification, segmentation and object detection. However, the availability of related benchmark datasets remains limited. Hence, we spent six years to prepare and test a bench Oral Implant Image Dataset (OII-DS) to support the work in this research domain. OII-DS is a benchmark oral image dataset consisting of 3834 oral CT imaging images and 15240 oral implant images. It serves the purpose of object detection and image classification. To demonstrate the validity of the OII-DS, for each function, the most representative algorithms and metrics are selected for testing and evaluation. For object detection, five object detection algorithms are adopted to test and four evaluation criteria are used to assess the detection of each of the five objects. Additionally, mean average precision serves as the evaluation metric for multi-objective detection. For image classification, 13 classifiers are used for testing and evaluating each of the five categories by meeting four evaluation criteria. Experimental results affirm the high quality of our data in OII-DS, rendering it suitable for evaluating object detection and image classification methods. Furthermore, OII-DS is openly available at the URL for non-commercial purpose: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22608790.

Palatal bone block: A predictable bone augmentation technique for restricted maxillary defect.

Bone grafting for implant dentistry depends on bone quality, quantity, and biological principles for good outcome. Autogenous bone as donor remains the gold standard among all the available materials. However, it carries unpredictable morbidity and need for different surgical sites. In our report, we describe a simplified approach in bone augmentation for restricted maxillary atrophic defect within the same surgical site as a harvesting site. The method can be an alternative for different intraoral surgical harvesting sites. The patient's left maxillary central incisor before treatment had a large bony defect which was reconstructed though single site approach of augmentation. The implant-supported restoration with healthy periodontium around even after 2 years of review looks promising. The approach can be an alternative for different intraoral surgical sites.

Semi-autonomous two-stage dental robotic technique for zygomatic implants: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of a semi-autonomous two-stage dental robotic technique for zygomatic implants. METHODS: Twenty-six zygomatic implants were designed and randomly divided into two groups using 10 three-dimensionally printed resin models with severe maxillary atrophy. In one group, the conventional drilling technique was used, in the other group, the drilling process for the alveolar ridge section (first stage) was completed, after which drilling for the zygoma section (second stage) was done. Based on preoperative planning combined with postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), coronal, apical, depth, and angle deviations were measured. Zygomatic implant placement technique-related deviations (sinus slot, intrasinus, and extrasinus) were also recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The two-stage technical group's coronal, apical, depth, and angle deviations were 0.57 ± 0.19 mm, 1.07 ± 0.48 mm, 0.30 ± 0.38 mm, and 0.91 ± 0.51°, respectively. The accuracy of the two-stage technique was significantly higher than that of the conventional one-stage technique (p < 0.05). The apical deviation in the intrasinus group was 1.12 ± 0.56 mm, which was significantly better than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). The angle deviation in the sinus slot group was 1.96 ± 0.83°, which was significantly worse than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using the semi-autonomous two-stage dental robotic technique for zygomatic implants is feasible and is more accurate than using the conventional one-stage technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The two-stage technique enabled the semi-autonomous robot to overcome the mouth-opening restriction for zygomatic implants and improved accuracy.

Simultaneous implantation and tooth preparation technology guided by 3D-printed guide.

Using digital technologies in concurrently performing missing tooth implantation and preparation of remaining teeth is a solution to reduce the number of visits and improve efficiency. This paper proposes a digital process for simultaneously implanting and preparing teeth. It integrates implant surgical guide and 3D-printed tooth preparation guide into a single guide and completes guided implant placement and precise tooth preparation. Based on "repair-oriented" virtual implant planning, the implant surgical guide can improve the efficiency and predictability of implant placement, and its linear accuracy is about 1 mm. The tooth preparation guide precisely guides tooth preparation and restoration space visualization, ensuring the quality of the tooth preparation. The two guides have different design accuracy requirements, and thus their combination improves the overall guiding accuracy requirements. The concurrent application of the two guides minimizes the clinical operation time, number of visits, and economic burden of patients.

Accuracy of a dynamic navigation system for dental implantation with two different workflows and intraoral markers compared to static-guided implant surgery: An in-vitro study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the accuracy of a miniaturized dynamic navigation system with intraoral markers and two different workflows for dental implantation and to compare with static computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two operators performed a total of 270 implant insertions in polyurethane mandibular models under simulated clinical conditions. Implants were placed after CBCT-based virtual planning in three different groups: two workflows utilizing dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (dCAIS; DG1: marker in CBCT; DG2: 3D-printed marker) and the others with sCAIS (TG: template guided). Postoperative surface scans were matched to the planning data and allowed an evaluation of the angular and spatial deviation between the planned and the actually achieved implant position. Descriptive statistics were followed by a Mixed Model Analysis to determine the influence of the operator, the method, and operating area on different accuracy parameters and the random effect of the model number. RESULTS: The mean angular deviation ranged from 2.26° (DG1) to 2.96° (TG). The mean 3D deviation at the implant's tip ranged from 1.08 mm (TG) to 1.51 mm (DG2) and at the implant's base from 0.69 mm (TG) to 1.49 mm (DG2). The operator showed no significant influence on the accuracy. The method showed significant influence on singular parameters and the operating area on all spatial accuracy parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic navigation systems with intraoral markers enable accurate implant positioning, which is comparable to the static-guided implant surgery. 3D-printed markers provide less accurate results compared to prefabricated markers, attached before CBCT scan.

One-Piece Zirconia Oral Implants for the Support of Three-Unit Fixed Dental Prostheses: Three-Year Results from a Prospective Case Series.

The objective was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcome of one-piece zirconia oral implants to support three-unit fixed dental prostheses (FDP) after three years in function. Twenty-seven patients were treated with a total of 54 implants in a one-stage surgery and immediate provisionalization. Standardized radiographs were taken at implant placement, after one year and after three years, to evaluate peri-implant bone loss. Soft-tissue parameters were also assessed. Linear mixed regression models as well as Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used for analyzing differences between groups and time points (p < 0.05). At the three-year evaluation, one implant was lost, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 98.1%. The mean marginal bone loss amounted to 2.16 mm. An implant success grade I of 52% (bone loss of ≤2 mm) and success grade II of 61% (bone loss of ≤3 mm) were achieved. None of the evaluated baseline parameters affected bone loss. The survival rate of the zirconia implants was comparable to market-available titanium implants. However, an increased marginal bone loss was observed with a high peri-implantitis incidence and a resulting low implant success rate.

Simultaneous implantation and tooth preparation technology guided by 3D-printed guide / 华西口腔医学杂志

Using digital technologies in concurrently performing missing tooth implantation and preparation of remaining teeth is a solution to reduce the number of visits and improve efficiency. This paper proposes a digital process for simultaneously implanting and preparing teeth. It integrates implant surgical guide and 3D-printed tooth preparation guide into a single guide and completes guided implant placement and precise tooth preparation. Based on "repair-oriented" virtual implant planning, the implant surgical guide can improve the efficiency and predictability of implant placement, and its linear accuracy is about 1 mm. The tooth preparation guide precisely guides tooth preparation and restoration space visualization, ensuring the quality of the tooth preparation. The two guides have different design accuracy requirements, and thus their combination improves the overall guiding accuracy requirements. The concurrent application of the two guides minimizes the clinical operation time, number of visits, and economic burden of patients.

SMOKING MIGHT INCREASE THE FAILURE RATE AND MARGINAL BONE LOSS AROUND DENTAL IMPLANTS.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Mustapha AD, Salame Z, Chrcanovic BR. Smoking and Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicina. 2021 Dec 27;58(1):39. SOURCE OF FUNDING: No external sources of funding were available for conducting this study. TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA) of data.

Features of the Sensorimotor Cortex Altered after Tooth Loss and Subsequent Implant Placement in the Maxilla of Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the synergistic changes of the astrocytes and neurons in the sensorimotor cortex during the process of implant osseointegration after insertion. METHODS: A total of 75 rats were allocated into three groups (n = 25): non-operated, extraction and implant. The rats in the latter two groups underwent extraction surgery of three maxillary right molars. One month later, the implant group received one titanium implant in the healed extraction socket. The rats were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after implantation. The brain sections, including sensory centre S1 and motor centre M1, were selected for further immunofluorescence for measurement of the synergistic morphological and quantitative changes of astrocytes and neurons. RESULTS: In layer IV of S1, the number of astrocytes in the implant group showed a descending trend with time; on days 1, 3, 7 and 14, the number of astrocytes in both the extraction group and the implant group was significantly higher than that in the non-operated group, and there was no difference between the extraction group and the implant group; however, on day 28, the number of astrocytes in the implant group was significantly lower than that in the extraction group. In layer V of M1, on days 7, 14 and 28, the number of astrocytes in the implant group was significantly lower than that in the extraction group; on days 14 and 28, the number of astrocytes in the extraction group was significantly higher than that in the non-operated group. In layer IV of S1 or layer V of M1, the number of neurons showed no significant changes between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The astrocytes in the face sensorimotor cortex were activated as a reaction to oral environment changes. This kind of neuroplasticity can be reversed by oral rehabilitation with dental implants. The motor cortex may be intimately related to osseointegration and osseoperception.

Structural Design and Finite Element Simulation Analysis of Grade 3 Graded Porous Titanium Implant.

The metal titanium is often used as a dental implant material, and the elastic modulus of solid titanium implants does not match the biological bone tissue, which can easily produce a stress shielding effect and cause implant failure. In this paper, a three-level gradient porous structure implant was designed, and its mechanical and biological adaptability were studied by finite element simulation analysis. Combined with the comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical and biological properties of implants of various structures, the analysis found that a porous implant with porosity of 59.86% of the gradient was the best structure. The maximum equivalent stress of this structure in the mandible that simulated the oral environment was 154.34 MPa, which was less than half of its theoretical compression yield strength. The strain of the surrounding bone tissue lies in the bone compared with other structures, the proportion of the active state of plastic construction is larger, at 10.51%, and the fretting value of this structure and the bone tissue interface is the smallest, at only 10 µm.

Proposal for a Paradigm Shift in Personalized Medicine for Patients with a Maxillary Edentulous Jaw by ENT Specialist and Dentist Cooperation.

With the spread of oral implant therapy, serious medical complications related to implant surgery are becoming a social problem. Although the number of complications after implant surgery in the edentulous jaw is decreasing in Japan, maxillary-sinus-related complications (MSRCs) have reached the highest number since 2012. It is essential to identify and eliminate possible predisposing risk factors for MSRCs at an early stage to prevent MSRCs. In this review article, we highlight the causal factors of postoperative complications with or without sinus augmentation for the maxillary molar region to achieve optimal treatment outcomes and reduce complications. In particular, we focus on anatomical variations that can cause the impairment of maxillary sinus drainage. Furthermore, we emphasize that the paradigm for personalized medicine for patients with a maxillary edentulous jaw by ENT specialist and dentist cooperation is shifting from the traditional assessment of maxillary sinus pathologies alone to the new assessment of anatomic variations that can cause the impairment of maxillary sinus drainage in addition to maxillary sinus pathologies.

Maxillary overdenture on three implants retained by low-profile stud attachments - A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical data are needed on long-term outcomes of removable implant-supported prostheses in the fully edentulous maxilla as a function of the number of implants, effects of the attachment system and other clinical variables. OBJECTIVE: To restore individuals with an edentate maxilla with a metal-reinforced removable prosthesis without palatal coverage retained by low-profile stud attachments on three implants. METHODS: The regional ethics committee approved a prospective cohort study that included all consecutive patients treated in a private speciality clinic. Primary outcomes were patients reported, that is denture satisfaction scale and oral health-related quality of life - OHIP-20. Secondary outcomes were implant- (bone loss, implant complications and peri-implant conditions) and prosthesis-related (prosthesis complications, maintenance needs and mucosa condition). RESULTS: Thirty-two study participants were recruited between March 2007 and October 2016 and followed for a minimum of five years. According to Kruskal-Wallis tests, the OHIP-20 and Denture Satisfaction Scale questionnaire pre-treatment scores differed significantly. After an average of 6.7 years, peri-implant bone loss of more than 2 mm was observed on 17% of all implants, while no or minor bone loss was seen on 38%. The estimated success of implants was 0.95 at 168 months. The estimated success of the prosthesis, that is no adverse events or need for any repairs, was 0.55 at 156 months. CONCLUSION: The positive findings in the current clinical study strengthen the notion that for many individuals with an edentulous maxilla, a removable prosthesis retained by three implants fitted with low-profile stud-attachment is a reliable technical solution.