The comparison of marginal bone loss around mandibular overdenture-supporting implants with two different attachment types in a loading period of 36 months

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of attachment types on the marginal bone loss (MBL) around dental implants supporting mandibular overdentures (OVD). Background: There are a number of in vitro studies evaluating the influence of several factors on MBL around implants. Material and methods: Mandibular OVD patients appearing at routine recall sessions consecutively 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after loading were included in the study group. All patients received mandibular OVD with either ball or bar attachments. Measurements were obtained from images of successive radiographs, which were scanned and digitised before, and analysed at x20 magnification. Statistical analyses were utilised in this study to assess the mean marginal bone level changes as well as to explore the potential effect of several parameters such as the cantilever or the attachment type on bone loss. Results: One hundred and twenty-six implants in 51 patients with a mean age of 59.39 +/- 9.99 years were evaluated. There was no statistical significant difference between the distal and mesial bone loss rates of single or splinted attachment types, whereas bone loss rates were statistically higher in cantilever situations. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, gender, age and diameter of the implants do not play a role in MBL. Length of the implant is an important factor in marginal bone level maintenance. The attachment type for OVD support seems not to influence MBL, but cantilevering of the bars increases bone loss significantly.