Introduction by Heidi Trautmann

Expats living in Cyprus or in any other country where the sun is shining and the air is sweet are usually retired from work; they have all the time at hand and a little money saved to enjoy life. However, with advancing age we have to face a little pain here and a little pain there and for sure problems with smiling because the one or other tooth leaves us for good or we are in such pain that a smile is the last thing we may think of. Now, a bad tooth often causes stage fright in the bravest man/woman but you should be aware that it can cause many health problems such as.... headaches, dementia, diabetes, heartattacks and more...this I have learnt from a doctor....and it will deminish your love of life. People who find themselves in such a situation are faced with the question: What am I going to do now, what is the best option for me?

I have talked to a good friend of mine who is an expert in this field and he declared himself willing to answer to these pressing questions.

DENTAL IMPLANTS INSTEAD OF CONVENTIONAL DENTAL PROSTHESIS?

By Oğuz OZAN DDS, PhD (Prosthodontist, Dental implantologist)

Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics

Almost everyone who can have routine dental care can also be treated with dental implants. Many people consider implants as removable complete dentures or have removable partial dentures that clasp to adjacent teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement crown/bridge or to stabilize a complete denture. Single teeth or a full arch of teeth, which have been extracted due to injury or disease and replaced with a removable bridge, can be replaced with dental implants. Depending on the specific condition and the type of implant chosen, dentists will create a treatment plan to the individual situation.

Bridge vs dental implant?

Many factors have to be considered when deciding between a conventional bridge and an implant for the restoration of the missing teeth. There are advantages and also disadvantages of both treatment options that should be taken into consideration during the dental treatment.

In the past, if a patient lost a front tooth, dentists would recommend grinding the two adjacent teeth and using them as supports for a bridge restoration, thereby sacrificing two healthy teeth to replace a porcelain artificial tooth. This form of restoration requires the reduction of the abutment teeth resulting in an increased incidence of endodontic therapy and root decay. If the abutment teeth have large restorations, benefiting from them as an abutment for a bridge restoration would be a wise choice since by this way abutment teeth would be capped and protected from additional stresses. However, if the teeth have small or no restorations, they would be damaged by abutment preparation and be placed at increased risk.  In addition, cement loss or wash out under a retainer can lead to tooth loss. The unique advantage of the implants lies in the fact that the adjacent teeth are not prepared. These teeth are left and are not included as a part of a big restoration. Nowadays, with the use of dental implants, patients have an alternative treatment option that involves much less collateral damage.

Denture vs Implant Retained Denture?

Conventional dentures don’t suit everyone and not everyone can keep them in comfortably. To overcome these problems dental implants have been introduced as a solution that denture wearer patients were looking for. Patients choosing this option report a greatly enhanced quality of life with increased comfort, confidence and eating ability.

Dental implants can offer the necessary stability and retention for anchoring a removable denture either full or partial. The denture stays firmly in place while chewing and conversing, but can be removed for cleaning. Minimum two conventional dental implants can stabilise a full denture which allows to perform chewing activity more comfortably with the confidence that the dentures won’t move while eating.

The other crucial advantage of the dental implants can be considered as their ability to preserving the existing bone tissue.  When a tooth or teeth are lost, bone loss also occurs. Over time a toothless jaw battered by a denture has substantial bone loss which can be delayed by preserving existing tooth roots. Dental implants conserve jawbone. It is advised that dental implants be placed as soon as possible to avoid bone loss.

Note by Heidi Trautmann

In the next issue, Dr. Oguz Ozan will report on “Dental Care generally and of implants in particular”.