Abstract
Statement of problem
Implant-supported overdentures with a splinted or nonsplinted attachment system have
been a successful treatment option for edentulous mandibles with excessive hard tissue
resorption. Currently, the 2 most common treatment approaches for an implant overdenture
uses either a bar attachment system (splinted) or resilient (LOCATOR)-attachment system
(nonsplinted). The LOCATOR-attachment system is often chosen for the lower initial
cost. However, whether the ongoing maintenance costs of the LOCATOR-attachment system
increase the overall cost of this system is unclear.
Purpose
The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the frequency of maintenance
procedures, complications, and costs associated with the LOCATOR-supported overdenture
treatment.
Material and methods
The retrospective data of 75 patients who had received implant-supported overdentures
with LOCATOR-attachments at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in
the previous 10 years were collected and screened to evaluate the number of maintenance
visits, type of complications, and cost (actual fees for the service) of the maintenance
visits. The data were analyzed, and the mean values calculated.
Results
The average number of maintenance visits was 7.7 in the mean observation time of 5.2
years. Replacement of the attachment was the most frequent complication (63%). The
average maintenance cost charged to the patient for maintenance was 56.2% ($795) of
the initial cost over the average 5.2 years of follow-up. The average total maintenance
cost (actual fees for the service) was 95.4% ($1349) of the initial cost over the
average of 5.2 years of follow-up. The average maintenance cost adjusted or lost over
the 5.2 years follow-up was 39.2%.
Conclusions
The 5-year costs for the maintenance of mandibular overdentures with a LOCATOR-attachment
system were equal to or higher than the initial cost of the treatment. The number
of maintenance visits and the cost were higher for patients who were older than 75
years
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 06, 2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 by the Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.
