2019 Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 102-110
The implant approach to the maxillary edentulous jaw comprises fixed prosthesis and removable prosthesis [removable implant overdenture (IOD)]. We held a debate on the choice of the prosthesis in clinical practice on the side of IOD. In the debate, it was important to preliminarily decide on the design that should be used, and therefore rigid and flexible IODs were discussed separately. Since various factors should be taken into account, the study was conducted in groups of items, i.e., anatomical aspects and preoperative conditions such as denture use before surgery, treatment costs, and life stage, especially in view of the necessity of nursing care. IOD was considered to be more appropriate than fixed prosthesis when taking the following conditions into account: if the horizontal ridge absorption in patients had progressed, when dentures familiar to patients had been used before implantation, when treatment costs would be reduced, or when patients’ nursing care needs would be expected. IODs seemed to fulfill implant prostheses’ requirements for patients with maxillary edentulous jaw in the aged society.
