CAMLOG and CONELOG implants with LOCATOR attachment retained dentures in the treatment of total edentulism. Study of 11 cases

Implant-supported overdentures with retentive attachments are reliably being used in the treatment of restoring complete edentulism in daily practice. There are different approaches regarding the number of implants required and type of connectors to achieve satisfactory retention and stability in such indications; however, placing a minimum of 4 implants in the maxilla and placing 2-4 implants in the mandible can be regarded as a widely preferred treatment approach by the clinicians. There are limited studies in the literature investigating Locator attachments as retentive agents for dentures in the treatment of total edentulism, although the system was introduced to dental market first in 2001. The aim of this case study is to present clinical solutions in the treatment of 11 edentulous cases with Locator attachments applied on Camlog dental implants and share prosthetic and retentive attachment related complications for a mean follow up period of 38 months. In eight cases the individuals were treated with 4 Camlog implants in each jaw, in two cases 4 Camlog implants in the maxilla and 2 in the mandible, in one case 2 implants were placed in the mandible only. Locator attachment supported final dentures were applied after completing the universal osseointegration periods of 12 and 6 weeks for the maxillary and mandibular implants respectively and the individuals were followed at 6 month-intervals for implant or prosthetics related complications. No complications regarding implant survival or loosening of the Locator abutment itself were noted, however, weakening of denture stability due to attachment parts wear at 6 month follow-ups were encountered and resolved by replacing the plastic cap in the metal housing as provided. From the result of this case study of a mean follow up period of 38 months, it can be stated that Locator attachments function effectively as retentive agents for dentures in the treatment of total edentulism. They allow easy handling to the clinician for chair side denture application and also allow easy seating and removal of the denture by the patients. Keywords: Locator attachment, implant, denture, edentulism