Objectives
The objective of this survey study was to collect expert insights on the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla involving adjunctive procedures such as sinus lifts and other bone augmentation techniques. This process aimed to support the development of a consensus and contribute to the formulation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of the edentulous maxilla.
Materials and Methods
In preparation for the 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla, a structured questionnaire was developed. The survey was administered online anonymously in a single round. It consisted of multiple-choice items and 94 7-point Likert-scale statements and questions. Consensus was defined as >75% and =95% agreement or disagreement, and strong consensus as >95% agreement or disagreement.
Results
Of the 217 experts invited from 43 countries, 116 successfully completed the questionnaire via the survey link, resulting in a response rate of 53.5%. Among the 94 statements and questions, 44 (46.8%) reached consensus and 4 (4.3%) strong consensus. All statements that achieved strong consensus pertained to key clinician-reported outcomes considered essential for inclusion in future research. There was strong agreement on the importance of evaluating surgical, prosthetic, and biological complications, along with marginal bone loss.
Conclusion
This study collected valuable expert opinions to inform a consensus development process and contribute to the formulation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of the edentulous maxilla in complex cases requiring additional augmentation procedures.
Giulia Brunello, Franz J. Strauss, Iva Milinkovic, Ina Kopp, Frank Schwarz, Hom-Lay Wang
Disease Category: Dentistry & oral health
Disease Name: Dental implants
Age Range: 18 - 120
Sex: Either
Nature of Intervention: Dental implant
- Clinical experts
- Recommendations for outcome measures (measurement/how)
- Recommendations made
- Survey