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Implant retained over-dentures have been used for the past twenty years in London and other places around the world to treat fully edentulous mandibles. There is considerable literature available in London to support this treatment’s use and efficacy. These procedures are done on two, three or four implants and are relatively simple to carry out, making them an ideal choice for dentists working on their first few implant patients. It also does not require too many appointments and is cheaper than most other forms of implant treatments, like fixed bridges. Just like conventional dentures, they are capable of restoring facial profile and lip support very effectively, making them a viable option for dentists and patients alike.
It is unfortunate that some dental practitioners oversimplify these implant procedures in their implant advertisements, ignoring the potential risks. For instance, a healthy patient who has a healthy bone structure is a great candidate for this kind of treatment. But, the reality is that such patients are hard to come by especially for over-dentures. Implant retained over-dentures are certainly a great option for patients seeking implant treatments, but what is essential is that they understand that they are not without potential pitfalls.
For example, it is common to see people in their seventies and eighties requiring implant treatment. At this age, the chance of them having other concomitant conditions is quite high, which can have a significant effect on the implant treatment. There are quite a few other conditions that might affect this kind of implant treatment, such as diabetes which impairs bone healing, steroid-based treatments, respiratory or cardiac disease history and of course tobacco, alcohol or drug abuse. Therefore, a detailed medical history is essential before treating a case, even if it maybe uncomplicated.