Keynote Address: Should Implants Supplant Tooth Roots in Mandibular Overdentures? A 20-Year Perspective

Mandibular overdentures supported on tooth roots predate the use of endosseous implants. Both therapies offer similar treatment options to persons who are nearly-edentulous. The focus of this presentation is to analyze the efficacy of the use of root supported mandibular overdentures and compare them to endosseous implants. Critical comparison of these two treatment modalities shows that there are similarities and differences in these two prosthodontic therapies. Although implants have been shown more predictable than the roots of natural teeth, as they are not at risk for caries, and seem to be more resistant to poor oral hygiene, their use is more costly and so precludes their use in a large segments of the population. However, with good patient motivation it can be shown that many persons can keep their tooth overdenture abutments healthy for many years.