Overdenture abutments and reduced periodontium in elderly patients. A retrospective study

Among elderly patients attending a private office, a large number was seen having only few remaining teeth with advanced reduction of periodontal support. The long-term effect of overdenture rehabilitation within a mean observation time of 5.9 years (2 to 10 years) could be assessed in 109 patients (average age 74.1 years) wearing a total of 125 overdentures. After completion of treatment, 76% had regularly followed the maintenance care program. The degree of bone loss of the selected abutment teeth was assessed by means of radiographs. 56% showed a highly reduced periodontal support with bone loss of more than 50% of the root length. No, or moderate loss of periodontal support was found in only 9.5%. The overdentures were initially retained by 359 cast gold copings. Biologic and technical failures were registered for 54 copings and examined with regard to the reduction of periodontal support of the abutment teeth. Repair and treatment were prescribed for 30 copings, including guided tissue regeneration for 6 abutments. Twenty-four abutment roots with copings were extracted. Although most biologic failures were encountered in abutment teeth with severe reduction of the periodontium, the failure rate was not statistically higher for these abutments.