An alternative technique for fabrication of a tooth-supported removable partial overdenture: A case report

Abstract

Overdenture is one of the recommended treatment methods for elderly patients with few remaining teeth and deeply resorbed ridges. Root retained under the denture base maintains more alveolar ridge resorption, which provides sensory feedback and improves the stability of the dentures. In addition, after endodontic therapy, the use of copings (short/long) and braces on the remaining teeth improves denture protection. This case report aimed to describe prosthodontic rehabilitation of a tooth-supported removable partial denture using a Locator attachment.A 48-year-old woman presented to the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, complaining looseness and repeated fracture of her denture, which led to difficulty in eating and chewing. She presented with Kennedy Classification II modification 1 on the maxilla with 23 and 24. The treatment plan was to provide her with maxillary cobalt–chromium overdenture using the Locator attachment system. The abutment teeth were designed, prefabricated using Locator, and were attached to the root of 23. Esthetics was achieved, and the patient reported satisfactory outcome.The present case report signifies that few remaining teeth are effectively preserved to support tooth-retained overdenture. This treatment approach was chosen considering the patient’s favorable inter ridge distance and economic status rather than full extractions accompanied by a complete denture or implant-supported overdenture. This technique using a Locator attachment on a natural tooth can be an alternative method in prosthodontic rehabilitation of a partially edentulous adult patient with a distinct approach to meet the needs, esthetics, and psychological well-being of the patient.