Attitudes of general dental practitioners to the maintenance of Locator retained implant overdentures.

Introduction: Locator retained implant overdentures are associated with a high incidence of prosthodontic complications. This study investigated whether general dental practitioners (GDPs) were willing to maintain these prostheses in primary dental care.

Method: A questionnaire was distributed to all GDPs referring patients for an implant assessment to the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield between 1 January 2012 and 30 June 2012.

Results: Ninety-four out of one hundred and forty-six questionnaires were returned (response rate: 64%). Thirteen GDPs (14%) were able to identify the Locator attachment system from clinical photographs. Eighty-two GDPs (87%) would adjust the fit surface of a Locator retained implant overdenture. Twenty-three GDPs (25%) would replace a retentive insert, 18 GDPs (19%) would tighten a loose abutment, 68 GDPs (72%) would debride abutments and 25 GDPs (27%) would remake a Locator-retained implant overdenture. Forty-seven GDPs (50%) felt that the maintenance of these prostheses was not their responsibility. The main barriers identified to maintenance by GDPs were a lack of training, knowledge and equipment. Seventy GDPs (74%) would like further training in this area.

Conclusions: GDPs are not familiar with the Locator attachment system and are reluctant to maintain implant retained overdentures. GDPs would like further training in this area.