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  • Bite Better, Eat Better: Dental Implants for Enhanced Denture Stability

    Bite Better, Eat Better: Dental Implants for Enhanced Denture Stability

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    Bite Better, Eat Better: Dental Implants for Enhanced Denture Stability

    Relishing food is about fostering a positive and mindful relationship with what you eat. It can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment during meals. Teeth play a very important role in breaking down food as we savor the taste and enjoy the texture of food. As we appreciate the fragrance and flavours of food that we chew, seldom do we think of the teeth that grind them!

    Natural teeth have a strong and stable foundation in the jaw bones. The sensory nerves help in controlling the biting force according to the textures of the food. Removable Prosthetic dentures may not be as efficient as natural teeth, particularly if the supporting ridges are resorbed. Dentures move and shift when they are used for chewing thus reducing the efficiency by a sixth to eighth of that of natural teeth. “INSTABILITY” is the culprit! Patients tend to avoid food that are difficult to chew and may even end up facing nutritional deficiencies. With the geriatric population on the rise this is a matter of concern!

    Dental implants can enhance denture stability and offer significant benefits. Implants anchor the dentures and prevent them from shifting and slipping while speaking and eating. This allows for greater biting force and improved chewing efficiency, enabling one to eat a wider variety of foods. They eliminate the need for denture adhesives and reduce sore spots caused by movement. Stable dentures enhance clarity of speech. This in turn improves confidence and happiness! A confident smile is a beautiful signature!

    Implant Overdenture: Removable dentures that are retained by few implants. They can be used for upper and lower jaws.

    Case 1:

    Presentation: This patient had been a denture wearer for more than 20 years. Her primary complaint was that her lower denture was loose. She lost her confidence to face her friends and relatives as she could not speak clearly. She avoided eating with her family as she found it difficult to chew.

    Condition: Severe resorption of the jaw bone as the patient had been wearing dentures for a very long time. Lack of sufficient bone for full mouth implant based fixed rehabilitation. General health was favorable for implant placement.

    Solution: Two implants in the lower jaw in the front region to support implant overdenture.

    Benefits:

    1. Improved chewing efficiency

    2. Improved clarity of speech

    3. Improved confidence in public

    4. Confident smile

    Case 2:

    Presentation: This patient had lost many of her teeth. She approached for total extraction and rehabilitation with removable complete dentures.

    Condition: Good general health condition. Many of her teeth were extracted due to caries over the years. Few of her existing teeth were indicated for extraction. Some of her teeth could be saved. The lower jawbone was severely compromised in volume due to long standing edentulousness.

    Solution:

    1. Upper denture: Retaining the front teeth and replacing the teeth behind with flexible denture. This avoided metal clasps.

    2. Lower denture : Retaining two teeth in the lower jaw. Root canal treatment of the lower left molar which had migrated and placing a metal coping for using it as a natural overdenture abutment. Extraction of lower left canine and immediate placement of an implant for overdenture anchorage.

    Benefits:

    1. Conservative approach. Minimal extraction. Retained good teeth. Retained benefit of natural sensation while chewing.

    1. Minimal surgical intervention

    2. One implant solution

    3. Stable dentures

    4. Excellent chewing efficiency and clarity of speech.

  • Geriatric Dentistry in India – Addressing the Dental Health of an Aging Population

    Geriatric Dentistry in India – Addressing the Dental Health of an Aging Population

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    Geriatric Dentistry in India – Addressing the Dental Health of an Aging Population

    In a rapidly ageing world, India is no exception. With a significant increase in life expectancy, the country is witnessing a substantial rise in its elderly population. This demographic shift has profound implications for healthcare, including dentistry. Geriatric dentistry, a specialized branch of dental care, plays a crucial role in ensuring the oral health and overall well-being of senior citizens. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of geriatric dentistry in India and the challenges it faces in meeting the growing needs of the elderly.

    The Aging Population in India: A Growing Concern

    India’s demographic landscape is changing, with a steady rise in the number of older adults. Factors like improved healthcare, better nutrition, and enhanced living conditions have contributed to this demographic shift. According to the United Nations, India’s elderly population (aged 60 and above) is projected to reach 318 million by 2050, nearly tripling from the 104 million recorded in 2020. This dramatic increase highlights the pressing need to address the unique healthcare needs of this aging demographic.

     

    Oral Health: A Vital Component of Overall Well-Being

    Oral health is intrinsically linked to one’s overall health and quality of life. Poor oral hygiene and untreated dental problems can lead to a range of issues, including pain, malnutrition, and even systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. For the elderly, maintaining good oral health becomes even more critical as they are often more susceptible to dental problems due to factors such as medication side effects, chronic conditions, and cognitive decline.

    The Role of Geriatric Dentistry

    Geriatric dentistry is a specialized field of dental care that focuses on addressing the unique oral health needs of older adults. It encompasses a wide range of services, including routine dental check-ups, oral hygiene education, tooth restoration, and even the provision of dental implants or dentures when necessary. Geriatric dentists are trained to work with patients who may have physical limitations, cognitive impairments, or complex medical histories.