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

• Published in: The journal of advanced prosthodontics Vol. 8; no. 4; pp. 313 - 320
• Main Authors: Seo, Yong-Ho, Bae, Eun-Bin, Kim, Jung-Woo, Lee, So-Hyoun, Yun, Mi-Jung, Jeong, Chang-Mo, Jeon, Young-Chan, Huh, Jung-Bo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Academy of Prosthodontics 01.08.2016; 대한치과보철학회
• Subjects: Original; 치의학; Edentulous mandible; Locator implant attachment; Implant overdenture; Clinical complication; Locator bar attachment
• ISSN: 2005-7806; 2005-7814
• DOI: 10.4047/jap.2016.8.4.313

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. 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). Marginal bone loss, probing depth, plaque index of the Locator bar attachment group were significantly lower than the Locator implant attachment group (P<.05). There was no significant difference on bleeding, peri-implant inflammation, and patient satisfaction between the two denture types (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. 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.