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Seniors
enjoy food and life again With Dental
implants, regain ability to chew
CHICAGO, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- They say
it's worth every cent. After years of
frustration and embarrassment from missing
teeth or ill-fitting bridgework, many
seniors have significantly improved their
everyday lives -- nutritionally, medically
and cosmetically -- with dental implants.
Advances in bone fortification techniques
and computer-guided surgery to locate
optimal implant locations in the jaw make it
possible for patients with severe bone loss
to have successful implant treatment,
according to the American Academy of Implant
Dentistry. See
http://www.aaid.com/.
"It hurts me to see seniors struggle with
dentures that move around and prevent them
from eating properly," said Olivia Palmer,
DDS, an implant dentist practicing in
Charleston, S.C.
"They can't eat fruits and vegetables to
help lower risk for or control diabetes and
heart disease, and many have embarrassing
facial disfigurements from years of
lower-jaw bone loss. I strongly believe oral
health problems are the major cause of
malnourishment in older Americans today."
Palmer said she treats patients of all age
groups, but derives the most satisfaction
from helping seniors regain power to eat
normally, live healthier and derive
enjoyment from activities like going to
restaurants with family and friends.
"Implants are a life-changing and, in some
cases, life-saving treatment," she said.
"Many of my patients get very emotional when
they see how they look with implants and
know they can enjoy foods that used to be
impossible to chew. One lady left my office
and ordered her first salad in 30 years."
The majority of seniors lose teeth from
failed root canals, periodontal disease and
decay. Within one year of losing a tooth,
you lose about 60 percent of the bone that
surrounded it, according to Palmer. "Even
those who have lived with missing teeth for
several years can benefit from dental
implants," she said.
"Implants do not decay or involve root
canals," said Palmer. "Further, they are 97
percent successful, which significantly
exceeds the success rates of root canals,
three-unit bridges or dentures."
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