Re: Dentures

Doing canine supported lower overdentures was standard of care 25 years ago. We would do a root canal on these canines and then cut them down to the gumline. Some people got cast gold copings to cover the exposed dentin and some people got amalgam at the orifice of the exposed canal. Studies showed that retaining these teeth help retain the alveolar bone in this area, hence better retention for a lower denture.

However, I found that after a few years patients developed either tooth decay on the roots that rendered them non restorable, or they developed periodontal disease which resulted in mobility and loss of these teeth, but at least we preserved the bone for a period of time.

Today, I would say, the standard of care is to remove the teeth and place implants where the canines were. After they indicate a lower full overdenture can be made very easily, especially with Locator brand attachments. The implants, of course don't get decay and peri-implant disease unlike periodontal disease is uncommon. However the fee is quite high when compared to the older technique. But when you consider the eventual loss of the abutment teeth, it is probably more cost effective for the long run to have 2 implants. This type of case is precisely the kind of case that Dr. Branemark, the father of endosseous implants, invented the technology.

I hope other people post with their experiences.
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