Treatment options before and after edentulism: tooth supported overdentures

The state of edentulism, or tooth loss, detrimentally affects oral tissues, causing functional and aesthetic impairments that diminish the overall quality of life.Traditional solutions to the problem require adaptation to the conventional complete dentures (CCDs) which is a complex process.A substitute to CCDs is the overdentures which provide improved retention and stability.This book offers a comprehensive overview of tooth-supported overdentures offering detailed insights into their theoretical foundations, clinical applications, treatment protocols, patient selection criteria, prosthetic maintenance strategies, and long-term success rates.Through a combination of evidencebased research and expert perspectives, readers gain a deep understanding of the advantages, challenges, and potential outcomes associated with implementing tooth-supported overdentures in dental practice.The first of nine chapters delves into the historical perspective and general considerations for tooth-supported overdentures.It elaborates on the classifications of tooth-supported overdentures, categorising them based on their intended use and the preparation of supporting teeth.The second chapter discusses the mechanism of attachment-retained overdentures, with the next four chapters focusing on different types of attachments including stud, bar, telescopic, and magnetic attachments.Each of these chapters offers in-depth discussions on the attachments available within their respective categories, providing detailed guidance on their selection criteria, teeth preparation and placement.The next chapter discusses the clinical evaluation parameters of tooth-supported overdenture treatment including detailed medical and dental assessment, extra and intraoral examination, assessment of bone undercuts, periodontal surgery, endodontic treatment, selection of supporting teeth, structural properties of the remaining teeth, location of the supporting teeth, radiographic assessment, examination of diagnostic casts on the articulator, selection of the type of attachment, preparation types of supporting teeth, forces applied to the abutment teeth, and determination of the prosthesis type.The following chapter expands upon guidelines for tooth preparation and outlines impression procedures tailored to various types of attachments.The last chapter discusses in detail the maintenance and follow-up protocol which is necessary to ensure the long-term success of these overdentures.This book provides an up-to-date exploration of contemporary practices and evidence related to tooth-supported overdentures.Enhanced with exceptional diagrams and clinical imagery of attachments, this book is an invaluable resource, providing insightful guidance and practical knowledge.