Overdentures with roots or implants for elderly patients: a comparison.

Roots maintained under the denture base preserve the alveolar ridge, provide sensory feedback and improve the stability of the dentures. Furthermore, with the use of copings and precision attachments, retention of the denture is provided. Overdentures are a favored treatment modality for elderly patients with few remaining teeth because adaptation to wearing dentures is facilitated. Recently, overdenture treatment with the use of implants has become popular for edentulous elderly patients who are maladaptive to complete dentures. Although the biologic basis of implants installed in the bone is different from roots surrounded by a periodontal membrane, the prosthetic concept is similar. Tactile sensibility is reduced because of the absence of periodontal receptors. However, oral function with overdentures supported by roots or implants is comparable and does not seem to depend on the presence of a periodontal membrane. Comparison of studies demonstrates a higher tendency for success when overdentures are supported by implants than by roots. This is particularly true for mandibular overdentures, whereas for maxillary implants, more frequent failures are observed with low bone quality and short implants. This study discusses results and special applications with regard to an elderly population who will profit from the benefit of overdenture therapy.