RP 5 - Overdentures

Question 1

What is an overdenture?

Answer 1

any removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one more remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth, and/or dental implants

Question 2

What are the advantages of overdentures?

Answer 2

• correction of occlusion and aesthetics
• support
• tooth wear management
• preservation of ridge form
• proprioception
• denture retention
• can be used with precision attachments
• MRONJ and radiotherapy patients - avoids extractions
• psychological benefits
• useful in elderly patients
• eases transition to edentulism

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of overdentures?

Answer 3

• need good oral health
• increased caries/periodontal problems
• care homes - need assistance for OH etc.
• denture fracture - acrylic may be thinner above root
• discomfort/infection
• medical history - e.g. dry mouth increasing caries rate
• potentially more traumatic extractions - if roots subsequently become carious and need extracted

Question 4

What is an example of a precision attachment used in overdentures?

Answer 4

Zest anker - ball and socket components

Question 5

How are the male components of precision attachments replaced?

Answer 5

male component put into the female component and self cure acrylic placed over it, drill a hole in the denture and then place this in the mouth, when the acrylic has set the denture can be removed with the male component now in place

Question 6

What care is needed for overdentures?

Answer 6

• good oral hygiene
• fluoride toothpaste application to roots
• regular examinations and radiographs
• denture hygiene