A 2-year longitudinal study of overdenture patients. Part I: incidence and control of caries on overdenture abutments.

1. The development of caries on overdenture abutments is a significant problem. In the patients examined, a high incidence of caries was noted at each recall. While few teeth were lost due to caries (none by first recall, none by second recall, and four by third recall), many teeth can eventually deteriorate and be lost (Fig. 7). 2. Caries can develop in a short period of time as shown by the results of the initial examination (caries present 2 to 8 months after insertion of the overdenture). 3. Some patients seem to be caries susceptible, as shown by the recurrence of caries, notwithstanding caries removal from the overdenture teeth at each recall. For example, a large percentage of patients with caries at the 1-year recall also had caries at the 2-year recall. 4. Patients who were placed on fluoride solution and/or had teeth treated with silver nitrate had a significant decrease in caries when compared to those who received no treatment or were placed on a placebo. 5. Fluoride caused some irritation or burning sensation in tissues of several patients. This was relieved in several patients by a decrease in the frequency of application from daily to 2 to 3 times a week.