Overdenture Abutments under a Fixed Partial Denture: Case Report of a Preventive Prosthodontic Approach

Abstract

The use of overdenture abutments under removable partial dentures to preserve alveolar bone and provide support is well established, but there is little evidence of their use under fixed partial dentures. There exist a variety of clinical situations in which teeth or roots with questionable prognosis cannot be utilized as abutments for fixed partial dentures. In such situations these teeth/roots can be preserved under fixed prosthesis to provide vertical support and delay bone loss. The following report describes technical considerations, advantages and limitations of this treatment modality.