It is not just a few isolated denture patients that feel this discomfort and sadness. Research shows that it is very common for edentulous patients to have negative feelings about their condition. One study of 50 edentulous people found that their responses to tooth loss included “bereavement, lowered self-confidence, altered self-image, dislike of appearance, an inability to discuss this taboo subject, a concern about prosthodontic privacy, behaving in a way that keeps the tooth loss secret, altered behavior in socializing and forming close relationships, premature aging, and lack of preparation.”
This is quite a list of issues, but experienced hygienists likely understand its truth. The researchers conclude, “Tooth loss can be disabling and handicapping.” To offer an additional, perhaps more poignant perspective, another study examined the experiences of getting dentures and losing teeth as compared to other life experiences. Research subjects in this study ranked getting dentures as a more significant life adjustment than retiring from work, getting married, or having a child.
Findings such as these underscore why it’s important for every member of the dental team to provide support and guidance for denture patients, and to help educate them on the options available for improving their comfort and confidence. In some cases, patients may be helped with simple measures such as denture relines. But the dental community also has more powerful options for patients who seek added stability and retention for their dentures.
Options For Dental Implants
Dental implants for denture stabilization have become increasingly popular in recent years. Data shows that placing two implants in the anterior mandible can make a major difference in the quality of life for patients, and can help maintain bone in the jaw that would otherwise resorb following teeth loss. In 2002, McGill University issued a consensus statement on overdentures, which stated in part, “Mandibular two-implant overdentures have been shown to be superior to conventional dentures in randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials that ranged in duration from six months to nine years.”
The only problem is that for many patients, traditional dental implants are not a viable option. This is due to a number of factors. First, patients must have adequate bone levels to anchor the implants. While bone levels are often not a problem for patients who have only recently become edentulous, long-time denture wearers often have ridges that have resorbed too much for implant placement. This resorption can be treated with bone grafting, but this treatment adds a layer of expense and medical complexity.
The expense of traditional implants, whether or not bone grafting is required, is also a major hurdle for many senior-aged patients. Many of these patients are on fixed incomes and have a hard time accommodating an expense that is many thousands of dollars. Finally, the invasiveness and time involved in the placement of traditional implants can dissuade many patients from pursuing this treatment. The placement procedure can be very traumatic for patients and may require significant healing time. Because the procedure is so invasive, people who are not in optimal health may not qualify for it even if they want to proceed with it. The procedure requires coordination from multiple health-care professionals to ensure that new medications are compatible with existing prescriptions, and that patients are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
Therefore, while many in the dental industry acknowledge that implant-retained dentures can serve patients better and alleviate many of the common problems patients have with dentures and partials, the treatment may not always be feasible. The expense and time commitment can be disheartening for patients who want a solution for their ill-fitting dentures.
Read the complete Article at its original publication: Life-Changing Options For Denture Patients
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