For many, dentures are the solution to the aesthetic and emotional challenges of tooth loss. Dentures are worn by nearly 41 million Americans, according to a 2020 survey.3 However, many emotional and functional challenges persist with conventional denture wear and are not always a permanent solution.4 Fortunately, innovative technologies are making it easier than ever for dentists to address and alleviate both the emotional and physical struggles of tooth loss.
Unseen challenges of tooth loss and denture wear
Many different factors can contribute to tooth loss, including chronic disease, smoking, and injury, but regardless of which pathway led to it, it is still detrimental to patients socially, physically, and esthetically.5
The standard treatment for tooth loss for centuries has been dentures, but these come with their own challenges. Traditional dentures can cause irritation, jawbone wear and functional problems, as they can slip, making it difficult to keep them in place. Additionally, the treatment path to getting a set of conventional, non-digital dentures involves many, many visits, invasive impressions, and iteration after iteration until the dentures are just right – and even then, exactly right will result in only 10% of the functionality of natural teeth.6
Because of the limited functionality of traditional dentures, patients who wear them face social and emotional stigma. Not being able to socialize the way they want, eat the foods they want, and interact with the world the way they want undeniably reduces the quality of life of denture wearers.
Fortunately, we can do better for these patients.
Implant therapy alleviates the challenges of tooth loss
Dental implant treatments replicate natural dentition as closely as possible, allowing patients to live their lives on their own terms. Even if a patient receives only two implants to support a denture, this still results in approximately 60% of the functionality of natural teeth. With four implants to support one denture, this functionality jumps to 90%, which is a far cry from the 10% functionality of traditional dentures.6
Digital dentistry techniques have revolutionized prosthetic treatment. Using non-invasive scans instead of impressions and incorporating 3D printing for functional tests, digital dentistry techniques ensure not only comfortable adjustments, but also incredibly fast care.
Whether full dentures are the best treatment option or the patient receives dentures that are retained or supported by an implant, this digital approach enhances clinical outcomes and significantly alleviates the emotional difficulties associated with tooth loss, leading to improved mental well-being for patients .
It is never too late to change a patient’s life by providing optimal treatment. We treated a 101-year-old patient whose chief complaint was that she could not wear dentures, which meant she could not eat celery, one of her favorite foods. She wasn’t getting the enjoyment she craved from her diet, so we provided implant therapy and she was able to eat celery every day for the rest of her life.
Providing the best treatment to restore as much function as possible really makes a difference in patients’ lives.
Dentists play a critical role in supporting patients experiencing tooth loss
As dentists, we need to be able to offer our patients the most up-to-date, up-to-date care – and that means providing dental implant treatment. We need to be able to provide these services to patients, because it is not good enough to tell a patient that the best we can offer them today is a conventional denture. This means learning everything we can about implants and being able to talk about them confidently with patients. We need to be able to discuss the value of implants not only from a practical point of view in terms of function, form and aesthetics, but also from an emotional point of view.
For many patients, the main obstacle to implant treatment is the financial commitment. However, most people today are willing to invest in things they value, whether it’s a car, vacation, or anything else. We have an obligation to clearly communicate the value of implant therapy to patients so they understand the importance of this investment and the benefits they can reap in terms of quality of life.
Commit to comprehensive dental care
It is our responsibility as healthcare providers to offer patients the best possible care. When it comes to tooth replacement, there is no doubt that implants or implant-supported dentures are the best way to restore patients experiencing tooth loss. Additionally, digital dentistry technologies and techniques can make implant treatment even more seamless and affordable.
Comprehensive dental care means caring for patients both clinically and emotionally. Providing a treatment plan that can improve both physical and mental health is a win-win.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on DE weekend, the newsletter that will enhance your Sunday mornings with practical and innovative practice management and clinical content from experts across the field. Register here.
References
- Fleming E, Afful J, Griffin SO. Prevalence of tooth loss among older adults: United States, 2015–2018. CDC, National Center for Health Statistics. 17 June 2020. www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db368.htm
- Tooth loss in adults (ages 20 to 64). National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, US Department of Health and Human Services. July 2022. www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/adults
- Kolen D. The latest in dentures. Academy of General Dentistry. September 12, 2022.
- Hidden challenges of tooth and denture loss revealed in new study. Br Dent J 236, 940–941 (2024).
- Tien J. Truth of tooth loss: it’s not about the tooth fairy anymore. Harvard Health. 27 Aug. 2021, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/tooth-loss-truth-its-no-longer-about-the-tooth-fairy-202108252578
- Full arch restoration: the road map to success in all-on-4 restoration steps. Accessed 12 August 2024.
