Implant-supported overdentures: part 1

The ability to provide high-quality complete dentures is a key skill for the GDP. The increasing prevalence and utilisation of implant-supported overdentures has opened the possibility of a wide variety of treatment options to support patient care, while also creating the need for primary care practitioners to have a greater awareness of commonly used prosthetic attachments.A thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of implant-supported overdentures is essential to ensuring appropriate treatment planning, consent and maintenance. This two-part series explores various aspects of implant-supported overdentures including assessment of the patient, treatment planning, different attachment systems and maintenance requirements.Part one will explore availability of implants in the NHS, the commonly available implant attachment systems, including their relative advantages and disadvantages.