ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Because of continuous alveolar bone resorption, implant-retained overdentures need to be relined. The purpose of this study was to describe a method for relining an implant-retained overdenture. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present a step-by-step technique. A 65-year-old patient sought care for trauma and pain in the oral mucosa underneath his mandibular implant-retained overdenture. The overdenture had been fabricated 4 years previously. In addition, the patient mentioned the denture's lack of stability during function. On the basis of the patient's dental history, and clinical and radiographic examination results, the authors found alveolar bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In this case report, the authors describe the technique, analyze the procedure of implant-retained overdenture relining with a Locator attachment system (Locator abutment, H3, SP MB SZL03 for internal hex implants; MIS Seven), and describe how to restore the contact of the denture base with the denture-bearing tissues. The goal of this technique for the general dentist is to eliminate patients' tissue trauma and pain and increase the stability and support of the prosthesis.
