Hi Bob,
The biggest thing when expensing the surgical/restorative options for an elderly patient is to understand the dexterity needed to insert/remove such an appliance. Some people can throw it in from across the room and bite in to it to seat it, some struggle and fiddle to try and find the location. Dexterity is something one should discuss but often isn't
As far as the surgical consultation, the locater attachment is extremely forgiving you can have a really poor surgeon place these divergent from one another and they are still viable up to 22* divergent between the two fixtures. The tissue height or CUFF Height of the abutment used should be as low as possible with out having the male attachment impinged by surrounding tissue. When it comes time to order the locater abutments take a perio probe and measure down to the table of the implant fixture at the highest tissue contour in the circumference and this will be the cuff height you should order. Don't arbitrarily order a tall abutment or it can and does pivot on this point. This type of appliance being Implant retained but tissue supported needs to be watched closely for lack of bone support will cause a short life to the plastic attachment and quite possible fixture failure. Proper extensions and a properly lined denture will aid in a longer life and less stress on the implant fixture/attachment.
Let me know if you have any other questions
