Proposed treatment sequence for overdentures

In conventional overdenture treatment planning, it is often assumed that all the teeth, except the selected abutments, are extracted and that endodontic treatment on the remaining teeth is necessary. The latter step may add substantially to the cost of the overdentures. Since several prosthodontic patients demonstrate the formation of a calcified bridge over an exposed vital pulp, the dentist can simulate this condition and eliminate the time and expense entailed by endodontic treatment. Since good oral hygiene and home care are necessary for optimal prognosis in overdenture therapy, there is time in this proposed sequence of treatment to discontinue treatment on patients with poor prognosis, before becoming involved in rather expensive endodontic and coping treatment. The proposed phenomenon is a gradual one, but it can retain tooth vitality through careful and early planning of the overdenture.