Biological Specifications for Denture Designs

Inclusion criteria: Completely edentulous veterans with clinically acceptable conventional dentures. Both male and female applicants will be accepted and the prospective participants will be from 35 to 80 years of age. Patients who have been completely edentulous for at least two years and have clinically acceptable conventional dentures, which have been worn for at least 6 months. Exclusion criteria: Verified history of medical conditions such as connective tissue disorders, blood dyscrasias, uncontrolled endocrine disorders, active tuberculosis, AIDS, leukemias, Hodgkins, liver disfunction, osteoporosis, chronic nephritis, any chronic condition with life expectancy of less than five years as well as patients on long-term steroids, anticoagulants, and radiation therapy. Extremely poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene condition will be assessed from the amount of food debris, plaque and calculus in their present dentures. Insufficient mandibular or maxillary bone height to accommodate 10 mm long implants in potential implant sites. Presence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and evidence of severe bruxism. Physician determines a contraindication for oral surgery. Candidate expresses reservations about participating for at least three years.