Posterior mandibular bone height after fixed full‑arch dentures: small average gains, big variability — what to watch for
A new meta‑analysis finds a small average increase in posterior mandibular bone height under full‑arch implant‑supported fixed complete dentures, but results are highly variable — here’s how that should shape your planning, loading and follow‑up.
A systematic review and meta‑analysis in the Journal of Prosthodontics pooled results from cohort studies that measured vertical bone‑height change in the posterior edentulous mandible after delivery of full‑arch implant‑supported fixed complete dentures (FCDs). Eight studies were suitable for meta‑analysis (twelve for qualitative review). The pooled estimate showed a mean vertical change of +0.67 mm (95% CI 0.29–1.05 mm), a small but statistically significant increase; however statistical heterogeneity was extreme (I2 ≈ 98%), and the prediction interval included both modest gains and losses. ([lifescience.net](
Clinical takeaways
- Expect, on average, only about two‑thirds of a millimetre of posterior mandibular height gain after FCDs — but that average conceals large patient‑to‑patient differences; don’t assume every mandible will ‘build back’.
- Baseline imaging and a clear plan for cantilevers, implant number and occlusion matter: reduce posterior cantilevers, splint implants, and set occlusion to minimise off‑axis loads in atrophic mandibles.
- Monitor the posterior ridge radiographically (panoramic or CBCT baseline and 6–12‑month review, then yearly) and inspect the prosthesis for pressure marks or hygiene difficulties; convert to removable if maintenance or soft‑tissue health is failing.
Sources
- Posterior edentulous mandibular bone‑height change with implant‑supported fixed complete dentures: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Journal of Prosthodontics (2026). DOI: 10.1111/jopr.70253
- Implant Supported Fixed Restorations versus Implant Supported Removable Overdentures: A Systematic Review. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences (2016). DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2016.109
- Effect of two different digital construction techniques of mandibular implant‑assisted overdentures on peri‑implant bone loss and posterior ridge resorption: a 3‑year prospective randomized clinical trial. Unrestricted access (clinical RCT, Mansoura University) (2025)