1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Maxilla: A Single‐Round Survey on the Number of Implants, Timing of Implant Placement, and Loading for Fixed Restorations

OBJECTIVES: To gather the opinions and preferences of experts regarding the number of implants used to support a fixed prosthesis in the edentulous maxilla, timing of implant placement, and timing of implant loading. This was performed using a single-round survey methodology. The primary objective was 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: A custom survey instrument was created by a steering committee and team of experts for the 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines. The anonymous survey was conducted using a single-round survey method. Consensus was defined as > 75% and ≤ 95% agreement or disagreement, and strong consensus as > 95% agreement or disagreement. RESULTS: A total of 202 experts from 42 different countries were identified and invited to participate. 117 provided consent and completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 57.9%. Strong consensus (> 95%) reached on no items. Consensus (> 75% and ≤ 95%) reached on four items: always using CBCT for planning, first molar as distal-most implant site for full-arch fixed prosthesis, use of a lab-fabricated acrylic provisional for full-arch fixed prosthesis, and the use of 4 implants to retain a removable maxillary denture. CONCLUSION: This survey synthesized the preferences and opinions of experts regarding implant number, timing, and loading for the fixed rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla to inform a consensus development process and contribute to the formulation of clinical practice guidelines for the management of the edentulous maxilla.