Stuart Huntsman, DDS

How to Say Goodbye to Dentures and Have Patients Smiling. Photo courtesy of Krakenimages.com / stock.adobe.com.

Today, many older patients are increasingly likely to have all or a majority of their natural teeth.

 These patients have spent a lifetime trying to preserve and restore their teeth in the hope that they will not lose all of their natural dentition and require dentures.

However, no matter how vigilant these patients have been about taking the time, effort, and expense to preserve their teeth, multiple factors can irreversibly damage a patient’s remaining dentition.

 Medical conditions and diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiac conditions and their attending medications that cause dry mouth can affect oral health.

For these patients, stabilizing their physical health takes precedence over dental health concerns and may delay dental treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the delay of dental care over the past 2 years, preventing many patients from addressing their dental concerns. When they finally presented to the practice, their dentition often had deteriorated to the point that extraction and denture prosthetics were required. Fortunately, myriad choices in treatment approach and materials are available. They are supported by digitally driven design and production for precision fit using materials formulated for strength and esthetics, providing alternatives to the traditional denture of the past.

Case Report

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2. Fleming E, Afful J, Griffin SO.Prevalence of tooth loss among older adults: united states, 2015-2018, 

3. Oral health topics: aging and dental health. American Dental Association. Updated June 18, 2021. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/aging-and-dental-health

4. Natto ZS, Aladmawy M, Alasqah M, Papas A. Factors contributing to tooth loss among the elderly: a cross sectional study. 

. 2014;35:17-22. doi:10.1016/j.sdj.2014.11.002

Articles

New materials and technology give patients strong, esthetic options for restorative solutions.