Purpose: Implant-supported restorations are well-documented treatments from a clinical perspective. Analysis of their cost-effectiveness is however limited, especially for implant-supported overdentures. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the literature on cost-effectiveness regarding maxillary implant-supported overdentures compared to complete dentures and fixed implant-supported restorations.
Methods: Three electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, were searched for original studies including economic analysis of implant-supported overdenture treatment in the maxilla.
Results: The literature search resulted in 190 articles. After elimination of duplicates and assessment of eligibility according to pre-establishedcriteria, two studies presenting the results from a single patient cohort were included and read in full text.
Discussion: Cost-effectiveness analysis is important for society as well as the individual patient. This is true for any treatment, but perhaps particularly for extensive treatments such as treatment of edentulism.
Conclusion: The level of evidence for the cost-effectiveness of maxillary implant-supported overdentures is very low due to a severe lack of studies. Further research is needed to provide guidance in the clinical decision on the best choice of treatment