Overdenture: Preservation Over Replacement

“Perpetual preservation of what remains is more important than the meticulous replacement of what is missing” is the goal of preventive prosthodontics and overdenture is one of the most practical measures used in preventive dentistry.

With this goal in mind we, at the Department of Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge and Implants, Manav Rachna Dental College, treated a patient with the zeal and enthusiasm to preserve his few remaining teeth and simultaneously enabling him to eat and live a better day to day life.

Overdenture is defined as a removable partial denture or a complete denture that covers and rests on one or more remaining natural teeth, the roots of natural teeth, and/or dental implants.

Extraction of all teeth results in total loss of all input from periodontal ligament receptors. It is known that the retention of teeth for overdentures provide better sensory feedback as it preserves the sensory input regarding masticatory performance, and has economical and psychological benefits. The natural anterior teeth give more discreet sensory input, retained for overdentures whenever feasible.

Most of the elderly edentulous patients wearing complete dentures are dissatisfied with the limited retention and stability of their prostheses. Rapid resorption of the alveolar ridge foundation continues to be the paramount cause of their problem. Bone loss and continued deterioration of the alveolar ridge in the maxilla and the mandible can lead to severe atrophy and lack of the essential support for the complete denture prosthesis. Preserving natural roots for overdenture treatment is basically to improve support, retention and stability of the prosthesis.

The over denture are a deviation from the normal dental treatment methods. These, are definitively advantageous to the patient and therefore should be undertaken whenever the clinical situations provide an opportunity.