S411: Basic Surgical and Prosthetic Aspects of Implant-Supported Overdentures

Abstract

Total edentulism has been noted in 5% of adults who are 40-44 years old. This percentage gradually increases to almost 42% in seniors. By the time the baby boomers reach ages 65 and higher, it is expected that the number of fully edentulous patients will become even higher. The majority of general dentists are still fabricating conventional complete removable dentures for their fully edentulous patients. However, many of the patients experience instability of the lower denture and progressive loss of alveolar ridge. The implant supported overdenture is a cost effective treatment modality for the edentulous patient. Education on how to evaluate and treat patients for an implant supported overdenture is paramount in providing excellent care without generating excessive expenses. One of the reasons contributing to the lack of interest among restorative dentists to offer implant supported overdentures is the availability of over two hundred different implant attachments. This creates confusion regarding the choice of attachment for each clinical situation. Implant supported overdentures should be standard of care for all of the fully edentulous patients. Conventional removable complete denture should be offered to patients only if there is a medical or dental contraindication for implant placement. Discussion will focus on:a)Guidelines for patient selection, indications and contraindications for implant-supported overdentureb)Biomechanical analysis of different implant-supported overdenturesc)Attachment selection guideline for implant-supported overdenturesd)Various occlusal schemes for implant-supported overdenturese)Maximizing the communication between oral surgeon, restorative dentist and lab technicianf)Surgical considerations for immediate implant placement and loading in fixed detachable implant supported overdentureg)Common surgical mistakes in implant overdenture surgeries, reasons and solutionsh)Surgical considerations associated with implant overdentures utilizing mini implants.