An overdenture survey: preliminary report.

The preliminary conclusions from this survey are listed: 1. The exceedingly high incidence of periodontal pathology seems to be the major problem in the long-term use of overdentures. 2. The incidence of caries is fairly low, but it remains a potential problem. 3. Subjective evaluations by the patients are favorable. 4. The overdenture technique as described by Lord and Teel seems to be practical and advantageous. 5. Additional research to find the most effective agent for inhibiting caries in overdenture support roots should be initiated. 6. Need exists for more surveys by other schools, institutions, or prosthodontists. 7. The overdenture is a valid alternative to complete denture therapy.