Can Dental Implants Help Geriatric Patients?
A common misconception is that dental implants are contraindicated for patients enjoying their golden years. As we get older there is a higher prevalence rate of missing single to multiple teeth due to many causes. The most common causes include gross decay, periodontal disease, and fractures. This dilemma leaves patients wondering how they can replace these teeth in a reliable manner. Exhaustive research literature has proven that age of the patient alone, does not increase the likely hood of implant failure. Dental Implant failure may be attributed to factors that include poorly controlled diabetes, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and previous head & neck radiation. Age of a patient is not considered one of these factors.
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I have blogged about dental implants and how they can be utilized to replace missing teeth many times. The current case was completed on one of my favorite geriatric patient from Oklahoma City. The patient is in his mid 80’s and desperately wanted to maintain function during the remainder of his golden years. He was referred to me from his general dentist for what was believed to be a periodontal abscess. Radiographic and clinical exam showed that the infection was due to a failed root canal treatment and a fracture. Therefore, I extracted the infected teeth and performed a bone graft procedure (lateral sinus augmentation). After 6 months of healing and bone regeneration, 2 Straumann Dental Implants were placed. The patient was referred back to his general dentist after 3 months for completion of restorative treatment.
Exudate (infection) due to failed root canal treatment.
Halfway point of dental implant treatment.
Completed Dental Implant Treatment.
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