Journal of Prosthodontics News
Fabrication of a Retentive Occlusal Device with Minimal Soft Tissue Coverage
Now online in the Journal of Prosthodontics, a report on a technique for a retentive occlusal device co-authored by ACP Fellows, Steven E. Handel, DMD, FACP, Kyung Kim, DMD, MS, MS, FACP, and Jennifer V. Sabol, DDS, MS, FACP.
Occlusal devices are commonly fabricated for patients with nocturnal parafunction to protect dentition and restorative materials. In partially edentulous patients with edentulous arches opposing natural dentition, nocturnal parafunction presents a challenge, particularly when the edentulous arch contains implant attachments used to retain a complete denture.
This technique presents an innovative approach to protect overdenture attachments from the opposing natural dentition with a prosthesis that has less surface area coverage when compared to the daily prosthesis. This prosthesis is beneficial to the edentulous patient because it reduces the rate of accelerated wear of implant abutments, reduces the prospect of traumatic occlusion to the soft tissue under the prosthesis due to a functionally generated occlusal surface, reduces trauma to the opposing edentulous ridge, and minimizes soft tissue coverage during sleep.
In addition, having a separate prosthesis for daytime and nighttime use allows for the disinfection of both prostheses while they are not in use and allows for the soft tissues of the palate to rest during nighttime.
Chen J, Handel SE, Kim K, Sabol JV. Fabrication of a retentive occlusal device with minimal soft tissue coverage for overdenture implant abutments. J Prosthodont. 2024; 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopr.13919
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