Aim: The aim of this study was to measure the stability of natural tooth and implant using periotest, in bilateral distal extension base, using ERA-ERA connection on one side and RPI-ERA on the other side.
Material and Methods: Ten patients with mandibular bilateral distal extension arches, with second premolar as last standing tooth, were selected for this study. Every patient received one implant placed distally at the region of the second molar bilaterally. The patients received removable prosthesis retained on one side by RPI while the other side received ERA attachment. Both implants were retained to the prosthesis using ERA attachment. Patients were evaluated for tooth and implant stability using Periotest at time of prosthesis insertion, after one month, three months and six months after insertion. The study was a split mouth design.
Results: Periotest measurements significantly decreased (increase in stability) with presence of ERA attachments on natural tooth and implants more than when the RPI was used on the natural tooth.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the ERA attachments was more preservative for natural teeth periodontium than RPI clasp retainer. In addition, the stability of implant improved gradually by time.