Radiographic Evaluation of Bar/Locator versus Bar/ball for Implant Assisted Complete Mandibular Overdenture (A 5-Year Retrospective Study).

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to radiographic evaluation of two different bar attachments (bar/locator and bar/ball) for mandibular overdenture supported by 2 implants after 5-year period. Subjects and Methods: For this study, ten completely edentulous participants were selected. Each participant received two dental implants at mandibular canine regions. They were divided into two equal groups: Group I: Each patient received overdentures with bar/locator attachment. Group II: Each patient received overdentures with bar/ball attachment. The vertical marginal bone loss was evaluated using digital peri-apical radiographs over 5-year period. Results: There was a statistically insignificant difference between group I and group II in vertical marginal bone loss after 1 year. However, after five years follow up there was a statistically significant difference between both groups as marginal bone loss was found to be more in group I than that in group II. Conclusion: Bar/ball attachment offers better results in vertical marginal bone loss than bar/locator attachment. Bar locator preferred to be used with four-implants overdenture instead of two-implants to decrease bone loss around implants. It is mandatory to perform monitoring follow-up to avoid any harmful effect on implant and/or residual ridge, maintaining the prosthesis/attachment/ tissue relation to assure proper functional load distribution to avoid further bone resorption.