As seen in Seniors Today, a Gulf Coast Newspapers publication

Actual Patient of Springhill Dental Health Center
Before Dental Implants		After Dental Implants

June 27, 2006 - Mobile, AL - Imagine what it would be like to not have any teeth. It’s a miserable and unfortunate situation affecting more than 40 million Americans, in addition to millions more worldwide, which results in lower self-confidence and self-esteem, a decline in general health and eating habits, and a crippling of ones social life and appearance.

Many individuals with this problem have become “dental cripples,” allowing the loss of teeth to control their lives. They are hesitant to eat in public or in restaurants; they cover their mouths when they laugh and hold their jaws together when they sneeze or cough, for fear that their dentures may fall out. One patient, a “dental cripple” from Mobile, delayed necessary surgery due to concerns of having her dentures removed for the surgery and her husband seeing her without teeth.

“Life does not have to be that way,” states Dr. Byron C. Scott, a Mobile dentist and one of 350 dentists worldwide who are diplomates in the American Board of Oral Implantology. “New hope exists for millions who suffer from the frustration and aggravation of living without teeth. Dental implants can be the solution and improve the quality of life for many who have found smiling to be an embarrassment and eating to be a chore.”

Dental Implants, which act as an artificial root substitute, have been used for almost 50 years. Initially, implants were not widely used, but with advancements in techniques, knowledge and materials, they have gained attention by dentists and patients alike. Many people who are the recipient of implants tell others. Dr. Scott states that a large percentage of his implant patients come to him through recommendation by a friend or colleague.

Implants are available in various types. They can rest on or be set into the jawbone, under the gums. They are constructed of titanium, ceramic materials, vitallium or other biologically inert materials that are biocompatible with the human body, which decreases the chance for rejection. Dr. Scott adds, “We are living in a world of computers, supersonic air travel, artificial heart valves, lens and joint implants, so why should we question dental implants and expect our patients to tolerate the age old concept of false teeth?”

Once implanted, peg-like posts extend up from the implant, through the gums and into the mouth, providing firm support for replacement teeth. The replacement teeth, when mounted on these supports, do not shift or slip and some are even permanent in placement and do not have to be removed nightly. Some implants are individual posts that support a fixed crown or bridge replacement teeth, while others involve multiple posts that support an entire jawbone. They look, feel and function like natural teeth. The benefits include improvement in comfort, chewing ability and appearance, which all lead to an increase in self-esteem, social security and confidence.

Dr. Scott thinks implants are an “alternative approach” to more traditional methods of replacing missing teeth with loosely fitting, irritating and unattractive partials or full removable dentures. “Implants can be used to replace a single tooth lost due to trauma, or a group or jaw full of severely decayed teeth due to neglect, gum disease or aging. The failure of traditional dentures to solve the public’s expectations should be apparent when dentures wearers spend more than $100 million per year on dental adhesives to hold their dentures in place.”

For those who suffer from severe atrophy of the jawbone, another type of implant exists – the subperiosteal implant. This type of procedure can help those who have no teeth and little jawbone, so severely atrophied that traumatic jaw fracture is an impending concern. Often these individuals are told there is no solution for them, but this type of implant can be, as it acts as a jawbone substitute and stabilizer, a support for teeth, and often helps prevent future bone loss.

Fees for implants can vary substantially and are based on an individual’s needs and situation, thus a thorough examination and evaluation is recommended. Dental insurance or major medical insurance may cover some of the cost, especially in the case of the subperiosteal implant, but patients should never let an insurance company dictate their health.

Candidates or interested persons should look for a qualified dentist with implantology training and credentials before having any implant procedures. Not all dentists have implant training, so it is important to make an informed and educated decision prior to starting the process.

Overall, the success rate for implants is about 90 percent when selected and properly inserted by a trained and qualified implant dentist. The rate of infection is minimal with optimal oral hygiene. Dr. Scott adds, “You don’t want implants unless it’s absolutely necessary. You want to keep your natural, healthy and restorable teeth, if possible. When that is no longer a possibility, then implants can be the solution you are looking for.”

For more information or to arrange a consultation on implants, contact Dr. Scott at 251.343.1521.