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Two
snap fasteners
secure the denture.
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Retention bar
on four implants.
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Approximately 21% of all Canadians are completely or partially edentulous:
missing some or all of their teeth. This is a common condition. Nevertheless,
the gum resorption that results from wearing a complete dental prosthesis
is all too often a source of discomfort to the patient. Consider just
the difficulty involved in chewing or the abrasion that develops as
the loose denture rubs against the gum. The denture wearers' quality
of life can be gravely affected.
Fortunately, oral implantology has advanced to the point that it can
remedy the major problems that result when one loses all one’s
teeth. The tremendous popularity of implants has largely been the result
of people living longer and their desire to fulfill a lifestyle with
the greatest possible pleasure.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are medically pure titanium devices that are placed
into the jawbone. They act as an anchor to provide a solid base for
artificial tooth placement. Implants can secure from one tooth (crown)
to several teeth replacing a full upper or lower denture. Dental implants
are usually performed under local anesthesia by a dental surgeon specializing
in implantology.
Who is a good candidate
for dental implants?
Anyone in reasonable health who wants to replace missing teeth; those
who are dissatisfied with their current denture; those people who would
like to eat better and with more comfort, smile more frequently and
feel more secure when they talk and laugh.
Age should not be a deterrent. If the treatment is properly planned,
the surgery accomplished following accepted rules of practice, the prosthesis
fabricated correctly and properly maintained by the patient, success
rates are in excess of 98%. In the majority of situations, only one
or two implants are required.
Patients that have had implants placed eat better, eat foods that
they have been denied before, are more comfortable when they eat, and
don’t have to use adhesives to retain their dentures. They can
talk and laugh without feeling self-conscious and without fear of their
dentures slipping out. All these improvements make people with dentures
feel better about themselves increasing their self-confidence while
improving their social and business lives.
The cost?
The cost of dentures or implants and the surgery itself, is not generally
covered by dental insurance. However, this investment in your quality
of life is tax deductible, and therefore more affordable than it might
seem at first glance.
If you would like more information about dental implants, speak to
a Denturist to find out if implantology is for you. The Denturist works
closely with the rest of the dental care team to provide you with the
best possible results. Call for your complimentary consultation.
More information
Frequently asked questions about denture
implants.
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