A radiographic evaluation of marginal bone loss for implant retained mandibular over denture using bullard versus ball and socket attachments

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate marginal bone loss in implant retained mandibular overdenture using bullard
versus ball and socket abutments
Material and Methods: twelve completely edentulous patients were selected from the Outpatient
Clinic of the Prosthodontic department, Menia University, and were randomly allocated to two equal
groups Ball & socket and Bullard abutments mandibular overdenture. All patients received 2
implants, 3.5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, were inserted in canine region. In the first group,
prosthesis was retained by ball and socket attachments while in the second group, prosthesis was
retained by Bullard attachment. For each patient in both groups marginal bone loss was assessed
radiographically by CBCT at time of denture delivery, then six and twelve months later.
Results:The results showed marginal bone loss in both groups with significant increase in ball and
socket group.
Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study bullard abutments had advantages over ball &
socket in terms of marginal bone loss among all follow up periods.