Comparing two different angulated abutment designs on marginal bone loss around divergent two implants retaining mandibular overdentures: A radiographic prospective study.

Objectives: the aim of this study was to radiographically compare the influence of two different angulated abutment designs on marginal bone loss around 30-degree divergent two implants retaining mandibular overdentures.
Materials and Methods: Thirty six patients were selected. For each patient, two distally inclined dental implants (3.5 mm × 13 mm) were bilaterally inserted in the canine regions by using stereolithography stent. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: Group AB (n=18) : Patients received two ball attachments which were screwed to the angulated overdenture abutments. Group AL (n = 18): Patients received two locator attachments which were screwed to the angled overdenture abutments. Marginal bone loss was assessed at the time of implant insertion (baseline), and after every 12 months up to 36 months by using digital periapical radiographs.
Results: Both groups showed insignificant difference at the mesial aspect in peri- implant bone loss at 12 months. But, ball group recorded a significant increase in peri-implant bone loss (0.26)) in comparison to locator group (0.23). But, at the distal aspect there was a statistically insignificant difference between both groups at 12, 24 and 36 months
Conclusion: The locator attachment can be considered more favorable than the ball attachments regarding the peri-implant bone loss around 15 distally inclined implants used for assisting mandibular complete over denture.
Key Words: Mandibular implant overdenture, Angled abutment and peri‑implant bone loss.