Implant dentistry news
New technology brings hope to denture wearers
People who have lost all their teeth no longer need to suffer the discomfort of loose or poorly fitting dentures. A removable bridge, supported by the latest innovation in dental implants, is the next best thing to having all your own teeth back.
For the first time in the UK, patients can obtain an implant-supported full arch bridge from their own dentist, working in partnership with an implant surgeon. The unique ANKYLOS® SynCone® dental implant system, from DENTSPLY Friadent, offers all the benefits of a fixed implant bridge, but can be removed for cleaning just like a conventional denture. It’s also cheaper than a full arch fixed ceramic bridge. Normally costing less than £10,000, the treatment is affordable for more people.
Six percent of adults in England, and 42 percent of those aged over 75, have no teeth at all. Most of them will be relying on full dentures, or ‘false teeth’, as a replacement. The new ANKYLOS SynCone system can transform their lives, enabling them to feel more confident, and eat and speak normally.
Conventional dentures need to be relined or replaced regularly due to bone recession. This speeds up in denture wearers due to restricted blood flow to the gums. Eventually the bone ridge shrinks so much that the dentures become very unstable. ANKYLOS dental implants, along with SynCone abutments, are a solution. Unlike a conventional denture, it does not rest on the gums, so blood flow is not restricted. The bridge looks, feels and functions just like natural teeth. It is secure within the mouth but can also be removed by the patient. It is more stable than a clip-retained denture.
General Dental Practitioner, Dr Timothy Eldridge, works in partnership with Implant Dentist Dr Nigel Jones. He said: “SynCone is neat and minimal, at the same time as being sturdy and stable. Patients like the confidence they gain from having a rigid bridge but with a lot less in the mouth. It is much cheaper than a fixed bridge and more convenient for the patient. The teeth are completely implant supported, so there are no forces or pressure on the gums.”
Although the actual implants need to be placed by an implant dentist, a patient’s own dentist can provide the special denture that fits on top and any other care needed. Patients can find their nearest dental implant dentist at www.dentists4implants.com. The website also contains a wealth of information on dental implants and the treatment process.
