Mandibular implant overdenture - treatment modalities and maintenance - an integrative overview

Implant overdenture treatment planning should be carried out meticulously to ensure positive treatment outcomes over several years. Various factors, namely the number of implants to be placed, their length and diameter, type of abutment, nature of the residual edentulous ridge, available bone density, interarch distance, jaw relation, mouth opening, soft tissue architecture, design of the prosthesis, including the type of teeth and their size, and type of attachment to be used should all be taken into consideration while planning the treatment. The maintenance phase of the implant therapy includes the implant, prosthesis, and attachments. The treatment connects the dentist, patient, and hygienist triad. The dentist with the support of the hygienist should provide detailed explanations regarding the treatment and motivate the patient, and the patient, in turn, should sincerely follow the protocol for maintenance as explained by the dentist. The patient should also come back for periodic recall visits as scheduled by the prosthodontist/implantologist. This overview covers the evolving and changing aspects of mandibular implant overdenture treatment and maintenance.