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.