Tooth-Implant-Supported Mandibular Overdenture with Locator® Attachments. Case Report

Abstract

Tooth-implant-supported removable dentures represent a controversial treatment modality because of the biomechanical differences between natural teeth and osseointegrated implants. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of an 85-year-old patient with Kennedy Class I mandibular edentulism using a tooth-implant-supported mandibular overdenture retained by two Locator® attachments over dental implants and one ball attachment over a natural mandibular canine. Two dental implants were placed in the anterior mandible and restored with Locator® attachments, while the remaining mandibular right canine was prepared and restored with a custom cement-retained ball attachment. A mandibular acrylic overdenture was fabricated and retained using both implant- and tooth-supported attachments. Clinical and radiographic follow-up evaluations performed at 12 and 24 months demonstrated stable peri-implant and periodontal conditions without detectable bone loss or signs of inflammation. The patient reported high satisfaction regarding denture retention, stability, function, and esthetics, and no mechanical complications were observed during the follow-up period. Within the limitations of this case report, the combined use of Locator® and ball attachments for a tooth-implant-supported mandibular overdenture demonstrated favorable short-term clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction. Nevertheless, further long-term clinical studies are required to validate the predictability and long-term success of this treatment approach.