Treatment concept for mandibular overdentures supported by endosseous implants: a literature review.

Edentulous patients with a severely resorbed mandible often experience problems with their dentures. Treatment concepts involving two to four implants for the support of an overdenture have been proposed. The aim of this study was to develop a treatment concept for mandibular overdentures supported by endosseous implants based on a review of the literature. It is proposed that two implants supporting a mandibular overdenture (bar construction) are sufficient for most applications. Four implants were indicated in situations involving a dentulous maxilla, a narrow mandibular arch, extreme resorption of the mandible (bone height greater than 12 mm), and mandibular soreness and pain.