Analysis of crestal bone loss around single piece ball attachment implant placed bilaterally in canine region and wear of O-ring in implant supported overdenture: Three year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Single piece implant in fixed prosthesis is widely been evaluated, however, long term evaluation of crestal bone loss and the wear of O-ring in single piece ball attachment implant supported overdenture is yet to be evaluated PURPOSE: The present article evaluates the crestal bone loss around single piece ball attachment implants placed bilaterally in the canine region and the wear of O-ring in implant supported overdenture over a period of three years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve completely edentulous patients between the age group of 55-65 years were selected. Two 3.3 mm x 13 mm myriad snap fit implants were placed in the mandibular interforaminal region. All the implants were conventionally loaded at three months after surgical placement. Intra-oral periapical radiographs were made and crestal bone loss was measured at the end of one year and three years. The elasticity and wear of O-Ring was assessed after three years of usage. RESULTS: The crestal bone loss showed no significant difference between the first and third year after implant placement. The mean bone loss at the end of third year was 1.5 mm. Analysis of O-ring for change in the elasticity showed reduction in displacement and a significant increase in maximum displacement and elongation. The area of O-ring and yield stress did not show any changes from the standard value. Compression set damage was observed in the O-ring at the end of three years. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the bilateral single piece implant supported overdenture has a success rate equivalent to the two piece implant supported overdenture and is a viable treatment option.