47 Overdentures

Below is brief outline for overdenture pick-up impression process. Please review straumann guide for detailed photos and step by step instructions.

1. Locator Abutment Selection & Placement
   • Select correct abutment height based on gingival tissue thickness
     • The length from implant platform to gingiva at highest point = cuff height of locator abutment
   • Torque abutment per manufacturer guidelines (usually 20–30 Ncm)
2. Block-Out for Pick-Up
   • Place block-out spacers around the abutment (White O-Rings)
   • Use rubber dam or soft wax to protect undercuts and prevent acrylic locking in place
3. Chairside Pick-Up Process
   • Adjust denture to relieve space for housing
     • Fit checker or PIP can help locate where to relieve denture
   • Roughen fitting surface and clean thoroughly
   • Inject auto-polymerizing acrylic into prepared space
   • Seat denture passively and hold during polymerization (about 5-7 minutes)
   • Remove excess material and polish
   • Metal housing is now retained in denture
4. Retentive Element Placement
   • Use locator core tool to remove black insert and place appropriate nylon insert (retention strength based on color code)
     • Start with light and at recall can determine if increased is neeed
     • Blue = 1.5lbs, Pink = 3lbs, Blue = 5 lbs
     • Extended range available for non-parallel/non-ideal implant placements as needed
   • Ensure insert is fully seated into metal housing

5. Verify Prosthesis Stability

• • Check for rocking or instability
  • Ensure bilateral seating and retention
  • Confirm patient can seat and remove the prosthesis independently

6. Patient Education

• • • Teach insertion/removal technique using index fingers and thumbs
    • Provide hygiene instructions:
      • Clean overdenture and around abutments daily
      • Use denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser
      • Recommend water flosser or soft-tipped proxy brush around abutments
    • Discuss follow-up schedule and wear expectations

7. Documentation

• Add prosthetic portion of the “Implant Documentation Form”
• Note + Code approved and reviewed with faculty
  • Implant Codes
• Include materials, torque, materials, and other relevant information
• Add 1- year recall code

8. Recall Visit (D0120)

• Intra-oral/extra oral exam
• Periodontal probing
• Percussion
• Evaluate denture (Stability, wear, retention, occlusion)
• PA radiographs of implants
• Replacement of retentive inserts as needed