A 2-year longitudinal study of overdenture patients. Part II: Assessment of the periodontal health of overdenture abutments

Abstract

Eighty-nine patients were examined at 1- and 2-year intervals after treatment with overdentures. The measurements of gingival index, pocket depth, plaque index, and mobility showed little change in the 2-year period. The initial gingival health of some teeth was less than optimal, but the periodontal health did not deteriorate and no teeth were lost during the observation period. The elevated plaque scores of this group of patients clearly shows that periodontal health of the abutments was affected, emphasizes the importance of adequate follow-up care and the need for constant reinforcement of home care instructions. As with any form of dental treatment, proper patient selection is an important step when overdentures are a treatment consideration. Patients should be able to demonstrate that they are motivated and have the ability to clean their teeth. It is doubtful that patients will change their oral hygiene habits after the denture is inserted, and poor hygiene may lead to a loss of abutment teeth from caries and/or periodontal disease.