Hereford Dentist Andrew F
- May 21, 2017
- 2 min read

FDI – Implant Retained Dentures

Managing the edentulous patient can be at times, very difficult. Following extraction of the dentition bone is remodelled and resorbed, muscles and ligament insertions become closer to residual ridges. This can in turn lead to an unstable and unretentive denture due to a lack of bony support.

When treatment planning for the edentulous patient, it is useful to classify the edentulous ridge. Ridge classification can aid both the dentist and patient in communicating any difficulties and the likelihood of a successful outcome.

3b. Adaption of Cawood & Howell classification with explanation (1).compressed

The optimum conventional dentures should be both aesthetic and functional with good fit and stability. The McGill consensus statement 2002 and York Consensus statement 2009 say that the “Minimum standard of care” in the edentulous mandible is two implant retained dentures. Working in both the private sector and primary care/community sector I find the both statement of little use. From my experience the patients who can afford two implants tend to be well educated and well informed regarding diet, oral hygiene and are regular dental attendees – they are less likely to be edentulous. Those in need are less likely to be able to afford two implants and the prosthesis.

For a mandibular implant retained denture – a minimum of two implants should be placed and four in the maxilla. The ideal position in the mandible would be the canine region and in the maxilla it would be the canine and second premolar region allowing for adequate bone and other anatomical features.

Locators, bars and milled bars can be used to improve retention, stability and support. These are a good option if an optimally made denture is still unretentive or is lacking support.

At Broad Street Dental Surgery we can provide dental implants to aid and improve the support of dentures as well as replacing single and multiple spaces.