SELECTING THE NUMBER OF IMPLANTS
Generally, the number of implants recommended either for a fixed
implant-supported prosthesis or an implant-supported bar-retained
overdenture varies between 4 and 6 implants. Several studies have
evaluated patient satisfaction according to the number of implants
placed for implant-supported bar-retained removable dentures; however,
these studies were performed on patients with no history of UADT cancer.
They showed a very good satisfaction rate in patients wearing an
implant-supported bar-retained overdenture with 4 to 6 implants (3).
With a bar, the implant survival rate would be higher using 6 implants
(4) compared to 4 implants. Moreover, the greater the number of
implants, the less stress will occur (5,6) on the screws connecting the
bar to the implants.