Study of locator attachment effect in implant-assisted complete lower over denture opposed with dentulous versus edentulous upper arch

Background Rehabilitation of edentulous mandible opposing natural maxillary teeth is associated with many problems. The advent of implants provides a treatment modality that allows the remaining maxillary teeth to be kept. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically and Radiographically the effect of locator attachment in implant-assisted complete versus single lower overdenture. Materials and methods Twelve patients were selected for this study, half of them were completely edentulous and the other half had edentulous mandible opposing dentulous maxilla. All patients received a lower complete overdenture constructed over two implants, placed at the canine region and retained with locator attachment. Each patient was presented to a questionnaire. The patients were evaluated as regards implant stability, gingival recession, and probing depth. Radiographically, the patients were examined to determine the amount of marginal bone loss. Results The results showed no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two groups. As regarding the implant stability, gingival recession and probing depth, there was a significant difference of both groups during the follow up period, but the difference was insignificant between both groups at the same follow-up period. Radiographically, there was a significant marginal bone loss during the follow-up period of both groups. In comparing between the two groups, there was an insignificant difference in bone loss between the two groups after 6 months while after 12 months, the difference was signify cant. Locator attachment exhibit high denture stability, better patient satisfaction and accepted clinical parameters and alveolar bone resorption when opposed by dentulous maxilla.