There are constant advances in dentistry and by keeping abreast of all the changes we can offer our patients even more alternatives.
One of Waterside Dental Care's long-standing patients had sadly lost all her upper teeth when she was much younger but has managed satisfactorily with her upper denture which looked so natural that others didn't realise they were not her own teeth.
In the past we had provided implants to replace a few missing lower teeth but she had always thought she had insufficient remaining bone for implants in her upper jaw.
We were both concerned that even though she was managing well at the moment, as she gets older and potentially loses more bone due to natural resorption then she may have difficulty with her denture.
This can lead to embarrassment and problems eating and nutritional deficiencies. A bone scan undertaken at Highfield Hospital confirmed that there was insufficient bone for normal implants, however our implant surgeon Richard Brookshaw has become experienced in placing longer implants that use inside the cheekbone for anchorage (zygomatic implants).
The procedure was carried out in our practice and under sedation she had four zygomatic implants placed onto which was affixed bridgework replacing all her smile teeth.
Now for the first time in over 20 years she no longer has to wear a denture- which is an amazing achievement.
Of course initially she was sore and a bit bruised and swollen, but the mouth heals very quickly and over the course of two to three weeks she has become her normal cheerful self again.
In 6 to 12 months she will need a replacement bridge as her gums heal. She is so pleased that she overcame her concerns to have it done.
