Dental implants are a solution for many types of dental problems, and they work for many types of people. When a tooth, (or teeth), is lost or a patient is loosing most of his teeth, there are several solutions. Someone who needs to replace an entire top or bottom row of teeth might choose dentures.
Removable bridges (full or partial) can fill in where single or multiple teeth once were. However, each of these options requires a good deal of maintenance in order for them to be effective.
Dental implants including Permanent Teeth-in-a-Day, on the other hand, have several advantages over dentures, including the fact that they are often easier to care for in the long term.This difference can be especially important for special needs adult patients.
Are dental implants suitable for adults with special needs?
An article in Medical News Today examines dental care for special needs adults. It cites a Tufts University study, which concludes that "the likelihood of having cavities decreased as the number of years receiving dental care increased". This suggests that ongoing and regular care results in fewer cavities.
The article also states that, "The goal of this study was to help fill the gap in knowledge that is necessary to develop prevention and treatment protocols for adults with special needs." By identifying the needs of, and what works for special needs adults, the hope is that implementing what is learned from the study will result in better oral hygiene for this sector of the population.
Do dental implants require special care?
The care required for dental implants is much like what is required for natural teeth. A special needs patient who regularly sees a dentist and follows a good home oral hygiene regimen could be a good candidate for a single implant, or a full arch, such as the All-on-Four dental procedure. The study suggested that the special needs patient's dental health improved as they visited a dentist more regularly, whether or not they had dental implants.
It was a great article that sheds light on a problem that this sometimes overlooked segment of our population has to deal with.
Dr. Rob Eisen | Dr. Jerry Jesin
For more information on Permanent Teeth-in-a-Day, contact the North York Smile Centre 1-866-365-4807 | 416-907-7997. Or click here to set up an appointment without picking up the phone.
Request a copy of 'A Patient's Guide to Dental Implants' e-book. Created by Drs. Rob Eisen and Jerry Jesin, this e-book will help you understand the All-on-Four™ process before you come in for a free consultation. Simple and easy to read explanations, diagrams and real case examples will help you understand what our team can achieve for you.
