Implant Supported Overdenture: A Step ahead from Edentulism

Abstract

Prosthetic rehabilitation of an edentulous patient with resorbed ridges involves various treatment approaches such as complete dentures, implant supported fixed prostheses and implant supported overdenture. Complete denture in resorbed cases provides limited retention and stability hence ultimate acceptance by patient is reduced. Implant supported fixed prostheses gives a feel of natural teeth and a sense of satisfaction. But it is very costly, time consuming treatment requiring careful maintenance and in patients with inadequate lip support, it does not restore esthetics whereas implant-supported over denture provides excellent retention, stability, esthetics with cost effective approach. It offers many practical advantages over conventional complete dentures and removable partial dentures. These include decreased bone resorption, reduced or eliminated prostheses movement, better esthetics, increased occlusal function and maintenance of the occlusal vertical dimension. In addition, implants supported over dentures also improve phonetics, the patient’s psychological outlook and quality of life.This case report, intends to describe a patient with edentulous upper and lower arch. Because of resorbed lower arch the complete denture was not stable, so to meet the patient’s demands, implant supported over denture was planned. Treatment approach was modified at some steps to improve quality and longevity of restoration. The final restoration was stable, well retained and esthetically pleasing.