Four-year longitudinal study of the periodontal health status of overdenture patients.

Seven patients with a total of 12 roots were treated with overdentures (maxillary, mandibular, or both) and recalled at 6-month intervals for a period of 4 years. A periodontist evaluated the periodontal health status of the abutment roots after complete periodontal therapy, immediately prior to placement of the overdentures, and at all recall visits. The gingival tissues around all the abutments were slightly erythematous and edematous and bled on probing. There were no statistically significant changes in pocket depth or in apparent width of attached gingiva on an intra-arch basis. However, statistically significant changes were found on comparison between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Over the 4-year period 50% of the roots remained immobile, 25% of the roots that were initially mobile exhibited no mobility, and 25% of the roots decreased in mobility. Five of 14 roots in eight patients (35.7% of the abutment roots) developed dental caries. Periodic recalls to reinforce plaque control measures, to provide adjunctive periodontal therapy, and to correct and adjust the prostheses of patients treated with overdentures are important factors in the longterm success of this treatment modality. Biomechanically, treatment of patients with overdentures is a valid practical alternative to complete dentures.