Consensus Report of Group 3 of the 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of the Edentulous Maxilla: Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, Augmentation Techniques, and Management of Complications.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The 1st Global Consensus for Clinical Guidelines (GCCG) in Implant Dentistry introduced an evidence-based, patient-centered framework for rehabilitating the edentulous maxilla. Working Group 3 aimed to develop clinical recommendations on advanced diagnostic imaging, soft and hard tissue augmentation, and management of complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recommendations were developed following the S2k-level guideline framework of the AWMF and a structured nominal group technique. The evidence base included two systematic reviews on clinician-reported outcomes (ClinROs) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), supplemented by single-round international surveys of expert clinicians, patients, and cross-disciplinary experts. Survey content addressed diagnostics, treatment planning, clinical procedures, and maintenance care. Draft recommendations were discussed at the in-person consensus meeting in Boston (June 16-18, 2025) and finalized through anonymous plenary voting. Consensus thresholds were predefined as ≥ 75% but ≤ 95% agreement for consensus and > 95% agreement for strong consensus.

RESULTS: Working Group 3 formulated four clinical recommendations spanning advanced diagnostic imaging, augmentation techniques, and complication management. All four recommendations reached consensus. Voting participation per recommendation ranged from 68 to 88 (mean 79) out of a possible 105 participants.

CONCLUSIONS: The Working Group 3 consensus statements offer practical guidance on surgical procedures and complication management in the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla. These recommendations are grounded in current evidence, interdisciplinary clinical practice, and patient perspectives. Furthermore, important evidence gaps, particularly in standardized patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), long-term outcomes, and maintenance protocols, highlight key priorities for future clinical research.