Aim: The purpose of this short-term randomized trial was to study clinical and radiographic outcomes of Locators and SFI bar attachments used for two -implants immediately loaded by mandibular overdentures
Material and method: Twelve edentulous participants (6 males and 6 females) received new maxillary and mandibular dentures and wore them for 3 months to increase muscular control. Two fixtures were installed in the canine regions of the mandible and immediately loaded by mandibular overdentures using Locator (group 1) or SFI bar (group 2) attachments. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), stability of the implants (IS), and marginal bone resorption (BL) were measured at base line (insertion), 6 and 12 months later.
Results: The implant survival was 91.7% and 100% for Locator and SFI bar groups respectively. PI, PD and BL increased significantly with time in both groups. SFI bar group showed significant higher PI and PD than Locator group after 6 and 12 months. On the other hand, Locator group showed significant higher BL than bar group at 6 and 12 months. No significant difference in GI and IS between observation times or between groups was noted
Conclusion: Within limitation of this study, it is concluded that both Locators and SFI bar anchors are recommended for immediately loaded 2 inter-foraminal implants by mandibular overdentures. However, Locators may be favorable regarding improved peri-implant soft tissue conditions and SFI bar may be favorable regarding reduced marginal bone loss around the implants