Clinical outcomes of conometric retention for implant-supported fixed prostheses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Statement of problem: Conometric retention was developed as an effective and predictable rehabilitative option. However, the clinical performance of conometric retention is still uncertain. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients rehabilitated with conometrically retained, implant-supported fixed prostheses. Material and methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, a systematic review of relevant literature published before September 2022 was conducted in the NIH library, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and MEDLINE, and a manual search was performed. A meta-analysis of the resulting statistical data was carried out. Screening criteria to select the studies to include in the systematic review and meta-analysis were developed. Implant and prosthesis survival rates and probing pocket depth were assessed. Results: The 11 studies included in the meta-analysis showed that changes in pocket probing depths were not statistically significant (P=.32). The analysis of the resulting implant and prosthesis survival rates showed a mean survival rate of 99.17% and 98.73%, respectively. Conclusions: From this systematic review and meta-analysis, conometric retention seems to be a predictable therapeutic option associated with high implant and prosthesis survival rates. However, further long-term, and homogenous studies are required to better understand their clinical and long-term limitations.