Preserving the Integrity of Facial Structures with Implant-Retained Overdentures

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that by age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth and, among adults aged 65 to 74 years, 26 percent are completely edentulous. Care of the edentulous patient has been changed by the emergence of implant-supported restorations, which are a viable alternative to traditional denture fabrication. However, there are still many general practitioners who have not committed to making dental implant treatment a significant part of their practice. They may let potential drawbacks such as surgical or prosthetic training, perceived cost, concern about the profitability of implant cases, or lack of insurance coverage stand in their way of providing innovative and successful dental implant treatment services to their patients.