Overdentures

Question 1

What is an over denture?

Answer 1

Any removable prosthesis that rest on one or more remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth and/or implants.

Question 2

What are the advantages of over dentures?

Answer 2

Correction of occlusion and aesthetics
Support- tooth support and mucosal support for the denture.
Toothwear management
Preservation of ridge form- preserves bone in a compromised dentition.
Proprioception- patient can sense food in their mouth and be able to determine force of biting/chewing.
Denture retention- undercuts
MRONJ and radiotherapy patients
Useful in elderly patients
Eases transition to edentulism
Psychological benefits
Can be used for precision attachments

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of over dentures?

Answer 3

Need very good OH
Increased risk of caries and periodontal problems
May cause issues in care homes where OH is not a priority
Denture fracture
Discomfort.infection
Potentially more traumatic extractions

Question 4

What advice would you give a patient to care for their over dentures?

Answer 4

Good oral hygiene
Fluoride toothpaste application to roots
Regular examination and radiographs
Denture hygiene advice

Question 5

How does the loss of periodontal mechanoreception influence the mouth?

Answer 5

Loss of control of jaw function
Loss of precision of magnitude
Loss of direction
Changes rate of occlusal load application

Question 6

How do periodontal mechanoreceptors contribute to oral functions?

Answer 6

Mastication (food consistency)
Salivation
Interdental discrimination

Enables us to assess the direction of forces applied to teeth

Question 7

Periodontal mechanoceptors can detect high spots on teeth, what can you use to test this?

Answer 7

Shimstock (8 microns)
Articulating paper