title: Spark erosion implant-supported overdentures: clinical and laboratory techniques.
abstract: Overdentures can be utilized effectively in treatment plans involving implants. Usually soft tissue support is necessary, which requires a conventional denture base. Implant-supported overdentures do not require conventional denture base extension unless necessitated by functional or esthetic considerations. With fixed-detachable hybrid dentures, flanges can often interfere with home care procedures. Spark erosion overdentures meet the requirements for esthetics, phonetics, retention, and support and also allow accessibility for proper patient oral hygiene. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the spark erosion overdenture and provides guidelines for the fabrication of this type of prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Removable Prosthodontics, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans 70119-2799.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Salinas
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Finger
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Thaler
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D015921:Dental Implants; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D003775:Dental Polishing / Q000379:methods*; D003779:Denture Design; D003781:Denture Retention / Q000295:instrumentation; D003828:Denture, Overlay; D004572:Electrolysis; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants