title: Periodontal considerations in an overdenture population.
abstract: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have identified that persons wearing overdentures require regular care and maintenance of the remaining dentition. This paper reports on a longitudinal study of the periodontal problems of 254 patients seen over a period of 12 years. At overdenture placement, baseline measurements and photographs were made by a single examiner. These measurements included evaluation of the restorations; abutment height above the gingival margin measured at midmesial, middistal, midfacial, and midbuccal; and periodontal probing depths measured at the same four sites. Oral hygiene and denture status were also evaluated. Patients were asked to return at 6-month intervals for evaluation using similar indices. Plaque and calculus were a common finding, especially in the mandibular arch. Serious periodontal problems were not common; however, it was clear that a high-risk group existed in this population. Bleeding on probing proved to be the most reliable clinical predictor of periodontal problems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Dows Institute for Dental Research, University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Iowa City 52242, USA.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ettinger
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jakobsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000209:etiology; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003740:Dental Clinics; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000209:etiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003828:Denture, Overlay / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D012575:Schools, Dental