Two versus three narrow-diameter implants with locator attachments supporting mandibular overdentures: a two-year...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Implantology

Background:

• Edentulous mandibles with atrophy present a challenge for denture stability.
• Narrow-diameter implants offer a solution for patients with limited bone height.
• Locator attachments provide reliable prosthetic anchorage for overdentures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the treatment outcomes of two versus three narrow-diameter bone level implants supporting mandibular overdentures.
• To evaluate survival rates, peri-implant tissue health, and maintenance requirements.
• To determine the optimal number of implants for mandibular overdentures in atrophic mandibles.

Main Methods:

• Twenty completely edentulous patients with atrophic mandibles were enrolled.
• Group A received two narrow implants; Group B received three narrow implants with Locator attachments.
• Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and up to 24 months.

Main Results:

• One implant was lost in the three-implant group during healing.
• No significant differences were observed in clinical or radiographic parameters between groups.
• Prosthodontic complications were minimal in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Two narrow-diameter bone level implants with Locator attachments are adequate for supporting mandibular overdentures in atrophic mandibles.
• The number of implants did not significantly impact survival rates or peri-implant tissue health.
• Further long-term studies are recommended to confirm these findings.