Single unit attachments improve peri-implant soft tissue conditions in mandibular overdentures supported by four implants.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical performance as well as patients' and clinicians' satisfaction on two different prosthodontic retention systems for implant-overdentures in the mandible.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, patients provided with four intraforaminal implants with at least 12 months of follow-up since overdenture delivery were evaluated. A total of 39 patients were treated either with Locator(®) attachment or with cad-cam milled bar. Clinical parameters such as Peri-implant Probing Depth (PPD), Plaque Index (PI), and Bleeding on Probing (BOP) were evaluated. Patients' and clinicians' perceptions regarding the outcome were assessed on visual analog scales (VAS).


RESULTS
The mean follow-up was 13 months in the Locator(®) group and 18 months in the Bar group and no implants were lost. The Locator group showed better results for PPD, PI, and BOP values. Patients' satisfaction was high in both groups, whereas the clinicians found better hygienic conditions and soft tissue health in the Locator group.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the patients' satisfaction was similar in both groups the Locator(®) system demonstrated better soft tissues scores because hygienic maintenance was more complicated around bars. This may increase the frequency of chronic inflammations around the implants.
Department of Periodontics and Prosthodontics, Eastman Dental Hospital, Roma, Italy. lucacordaro@usa.net
Luca
L
Cordaro
Vincenzo Mirisola
VM
di Torresanto
Nikola
N
Petricevic
Primitivo Roig
PR
Jornet
Ferruccio
F
Torsello
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015921:Dental Implants; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000379:methods; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010512:Periodontal Index; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015921:Dental Implants