Tooth Supported Mandibular Single Overdenture: A Case Report

Background: Loss of teeth can be a reason for psychological trauma in most of the patients. Other than psychological loss there is also mechanical loss of bone with loss of teeth as alveolar bone is lost. Preservation of a couple of teeth can help in providing better retention and stability to dentures by minimizing bone loss and the use of mechanical aids on retained teeth for additional retention. The use of coping with attachment enhances the retention in the otherwise resorbed residual ridge. The single mandibular denture needs more stability also because of more amount of force from maxillary natural teeth. Thus, the denture can be strengthened by the use of additional mesh in the denture to compensate for the loss of acrylic in place where copings are placed. Case Report: This is a case of 58 year old female with a partially edentulous mandible. The fixed prosthesis was lost recently. The transition to a complete denture with minimal mandibular ridge was difficult. So, the preservation of the roots of the remaining teeth was planned for mandibular overdenture. Treatment Plan: Copings with attachments on bilateral canines were planned. The remaining teeth were given metal housings. The denture was reinforced with metal mesh to bear the maxillary forces from natural teeth. Conclusion: a single mandibular overdenture with copings and attachments increases the retention and stability of the prosthesis and also gives psychological comfort to the patient for the preservation of natural teeth.