Dental Implants and the Dry Mouth Patient

Modern dental restorative techniques have evolved rapidly, in particular since the development and implementation of the modern oral implant systems. The need for implants among the general population has been clearly demonstrated and importantly, implants have been particularly useful in the patient with specific needs not generally amenable to standard or traditional dental restorative techniques. Indeed, the oral and systemic health consequences as well as the psychological ramifications of individuals in need of such treatment can be severe. In most instances, traditional fixed or removable dental appliances or prostheses can offer viable if not always optimal treatment results. However, in many cases, oral implants are required or are the treatment of choice in an effort to once again produce the functional and esthetic demands of day to day living. Oral implants can be classified into three general categories: 1) subperiosteal; 2) transosteal; and 3) endosteal