Clinical evaluation of mandibular implant overdentures via Locator implant attachment and Locator bar attachment

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical findings and patient satisfaction on implant overdenture designed with Locator implant attachment or Locator bar attachment in mandibular edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implant survival rate, marginal bone loss, probing depth, peri-implant inflammation, bleeding, plaque, calculus, complications, and satisfaction were evaluated on sixteen patients who were treated with mandibular overdenture and have used it for at least 1 year (Locator implant attachment: n=8, Locator bar attachment: n=8). RESULTS: Marginal bone loss, probing depth, plaque index of the Locator bar attachment group were significantly lower than the Locator implant attachment group (P.05). The replacement of the attachment components was the most common complication in both groups. Although there was no correlation between marginal bone loss and plaque index, a significant correlation was found between marginal bone loss and probing depth. CONCLUSION: The Locator bar attachment group indicates lesser marginal bone loss and need for maintenance, as compared with the Locator implant attachment group. This may be due to the splinting effect among implants rather than the types of Locator attachment.

Mandibular implant overdenture using milled bar attachment on implants with unfavorable fixture angulation: A case report / 대한치과보철학회지

Implant overdenture exhibits higher retention, masticatory function, and patient's satisfaction compared to conventional dentures. Particularly, in treatment of severe alveolar bone resorption, implant overdenture can be considered as the first treatment option. The types of attachments used for implant overdenture can be classified into solitary type, which implants are not connected to each other, and bar type in which implants are connected. In the case of solitary type commonly used in clinical practice, parallel relationship is important. When it is not established, there is a higher risk of attachment wear, retention loss, and frequent visits for maintenance. In this case, satisfactory results have been obtained with implant overdentures using milled bar on two unparallel implants placed on the mandible.