Surgical and prosthetic planning for a two-implant–retained mandibular overdenture: A clinical report

A 2-implant–retained mandibular overdenture is considered by some to be the standard of care for mandibular edentulism. Compared to a conventional complete denture, an implant-retained overdenture requires more thorough planning. Careful consideration is necessary regarding the 3-dimensional orientation of the implants to ensure adequate horizontal and vertical space for prosthetic components. This clinical report describes a patient with a compromised mandibular overdenture in whom the position of the existing implants yielded insufficient space for prosthetic components. This report describes the concepts for treatment planning prior to fabricating a new mandibular overdenture, including considerations for the surgical removal of the existing implants, alveoloplasty to create the necessary space for prosthetic components, and placement of the new implants to ensure an esthetic and functional prosthesis.