What does implant-supported overdenture treatment involve?
A treatment-planning phase is conducted and completed by the restorative dentist and oral surgeon prior to implant placement. The total number of implants, implant positioning and final prosthesis design are determined at this time. During the first surgical treatment, the implants are placed in the maxilla or upper jaw. The upper denture is not placed for a period of up to two weeks while the gum tissue is healing. The oral surgeon then recommends a four to six month waiting period while bone growth around the implant occurs. Once sufficient bone growth has taken place in the site, the oral surgeon uncovers the implants and places the abutment, which will emerge from the gum tissue. After a short healing period, the restorative dentist begins fabrication of the overdenture and bar. This fabrication includes the preliminary impression, the final impression, the wax try-in, the bar try-in, and finally, the insertion of the denture. Once all adjustments have been made the patient schedul
