Clinical conditions and survival rate of complete overdenture abutments

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed the clinical and radiographic conditions of root abutments of complete overdenture. The survival rate and mean service life were evaluated. Methods: Patients who received conventional complete overdentures supported by one or more natural root abutments in a university dental hospital between 1984 and 2009 were contacted. For those whose root abutments were present, they were invited to attend a clinical review to assess the level of oral hygiene as well as the periodontal and dental conditions. Periapical radiograph was taken to assess the endodontic condition. If the root abutment was lost, the reason and time of its loss were recorded. Results: 125 patients (mean age=75.6, SD=12.0), with 229 root abutments, were successfully contacted. Seventy-nine root abutments in 50 patients were lost, due mainly to periodontal disease (64%). Forty-six root abutments in 23 patients were examined. Majority of the root abutments had minimal plaque deposition and a maximum CPI score of 1. Fourteen (30.4%) restorations were dislodged and 16 roots (34.8%) showed sign of caries. Twelve (26.1%) endodontically treated roots presented with apical radiolucency. The survival rate of root abutments of complete overdenture was 65.5% and the mean service life was 8.3 years. Conclusions: Majority of the root abutments of complete overdenture had satisfactory clinical and endodontic conditions. The survival rate was 65.5% up to 20 years and the mean service life was 8.3 years. Supported by HKU-SPF.