The effect of using prefabricated bars on marginal bone loss around tilted or axially placed and immediately loaded implants for retaining mandibular overdentures

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of using prefabricated stress-free implant bar (SFI-Bar) on marginal bone loss around tilted or axially placed and immediately loaded two implants for retaining mandibular overdentures. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with a mean age of 56.5 years were chosen. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: Group (AB) (n = 15): Patients received two axially implants connected by SFI-Bars for retaining mandibular overdentures. Group (TB) (n = 15): Patients received two mesially tilted implants connected by SFI-Bars for retaining mandibular overdentures. For each patient, two dental implants (3.8 mm × 12 mm) were bilaterally inserted in the canine regions. Implants were immediately loaded with SFI-Bar system overdentures. Digital periapical radiographs were scheduled at implant placement (baseline) and subsequently after every 12 months up to 36 months to measure peri-implant bone loss (PiBL). The recorded data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Both groups showed insignificant PiBL at 12 and 24 months, while at 36 months, patients in Group TB showed significantly higher marginal PiBL than that with Group AB. Conclusions: Prefabricated SFI-Bar retained mandibular overdentures could offer an alternative attachment for two angulated, immediately loaded implants with predictable radiographic outcomes.