| The Monthly Minute
with Dr. Alan Smolen
August 2010 |
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Dr. Alan M. Smolen |
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| News Flash for Joint Replacement Patients! |
The American Association of Orthpaedic Surgeons has issued a new protocol for antibiotic premedication before dental treatment for patients who have had joint replacements.
Previously, patients with joint replacements were advised to use antibiotic premedication for dental treatment for two years after surgery. That protocol has now changed. After further studies, the AAOS now recommends antibiotic premedication before dental treatment for your lifetime! The studies showed that there was still a threat of severe complications even after the 2-year period. |
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| Greetings! | | In the last couple of issues, we've been talking about the benefits of dental implants. If you've been following our series, you know that implants are artificial tooth roots, upon which, crowns and bridgework can be placed. You also know that implants can last a lifetime.
We would like to take one last look at implants, but this time, we want you to see how they can help the patient who has full dentures!
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| Do You Wear Full Dentures? | | If you wear full dentures or know someone who does, you know the problems that can arise. Eating and speaking can be challenging when your denture refuses to stay in the proper position. Patients who wear dentures find that after a period of time, the bone underneath the denture recedes and the denture no longer fits as it did originally. As long as you wear those dentures, the bone levels are going to continue to be reduced, meaning that you will need your dentures relined or completely remade, every few years. Implants could be the solution to your problem!
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| How It's Done | |
Generally, when using implants to hold a full denture, 2 to 4 implants are placed. Depending upon the number of implants placed, the connecting device that will hold your new teeth can be tightened down on the implant, or it may be clipped to a bar or a round ball anchor to which a denture snaps on and off.
Lower Denture for Ball Attachment Implants
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Implants with Ball Attachment |
Implants with Bar Attachment |
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| Relief At Last! |
Denture with Implant-Bar Attachments | Implant supported full dentures provide several advantages over conventional dentures. In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, they are designed to be long lasting. Because they will replace some of your tooth roots, your bone is better preserved. With conventional dentures, the bone that previously surrounded the tooth roots begins to resorb (deteriorate). Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep the bone healthy and intact. In the long term, implants can be more esthetic and easier to maintain than conventional dentures. They can also be less costly since there will be little need for replacement. Implant supported full dentures are also more comfortable and stable than conventional dentures, allowing you to retain a more natural biting and chewing function. Their stability will let you speak clearly, smile confidently, and once again eat all the foods you love without worry. |
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If you're tired of not being able to eat or speak confidently because of your dentures, implants could be the answer for you! Please call or email me. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have and get you back on the road to the beautiful, healthy, confident smile you deserve!
Sincerely,
Alan M. Smolen, DDS
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