Implant-supported Overdentures Are A Successful Solution For Edentulous People

In a new study that printed in the Journal of Periodontology,researchers found that the cumulative survival rate of implant-placedoverdentures was 95.4 percent for 10 years. The success rate for themaxilla (upper jaw) implant supporting overdentures was 87.3 percentand the mandible (lower jaw) was 99.5 percent.

"My implant-placed overdentures have made my life more pleasurable, Ifelt practically no pain in having them placed, and am very glad that Idid it," said Marvin Goodwin of Buena Park, Calif. "Now I can eatcaramel at a party and not have to worry about my dentures stickingtogether and prying them apart."

An implant-supported overdenture requires that implants are placed intothe jaw. The implants bond to the jawbone forming an anchor. Fullbridges or dentures are created to attach to the implants, literallylocking the teeth replacement into place. "Even though my partials fit,they were often uncomfortable and had a tendency to move when I talkedor ate," explained Goodwin. "I can now enjoy eating food -- especiallysteak because my teeth do not move."

"One of the advantages of implant-supported full bridges and denturesis that it replaces some of the tooth roots, which will better preservethe jawbone," explains Vincent J. Iacono, DMD and president of theAmerican Academy of Periodontology. "Dental implants integrate with thejawbone helping to keep the bone healthy and intact."

The overall rate of edentulism for adults 18 and older is nearly 10percent. This rate increases with age so that about 33 percent of those65 and older are without teeth according to the Surgeon General'sReport on Oral Health.

The good news is periodontists have the special knowledge, training andfacilities to give people teeth that look and feel just like their own.This procedure is a team effort between the patient, dentist andperiodontist. Depending on the specific condition, the periodontistwill create a treatment plan tailored to meet the patients' needs.

The American Academy ofPeriodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionalsspecializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseasesaffecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in theplacement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one ofnine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.