Implant Supported

I n 2009, the Canadian government published a summary report on the findings of the oral health component of the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007–2009.1 They reported that 6.4 percent of the Canadian population was edentulous between 2007 and 2009. Thus, in 2009, over two million Canadians were edentulous. This demographic represents a huge need for treatment. Although complete dentures were classically the treatment of choice, over the past 10 years there has been significant attention paid to immediate implant-supported full-arch fixed reconstructions. The initial skepticism regarding the validity of these types of prostheses followed by sound scientific support created an interesting story. Additionally, the marketing potential of “teeth-in-a-day” is significant and patients are much more aware of their treatment options even before speaking to their dental provider. Patients who are facing edentulism may be concerned with the embarrassment of wearing a denture or the lack of function they assume comes with it. Immediate fullarch fixed reconstructions are attractive to these patients because they alleviate some of their initial concerns: the process will be immediate, you won’t have to wear a denture, the esthetics will be customizable and excellent, and you’ll be able to chew well. Although the truth is not always so promising, the idea is captivating to many potential patients and this service is now commonly offered. The alternative option to an implant-supported full-arch fixed prosthesis is somewhat less exciting: a removable complete denture. Without implant support, removable dentures often present significant challenges for patients such as poor stability and compromised mastication.2 In comparison, the success of implant-supported removable dentures has been well established. The McGill Consensus Statement (2002)3 recommended two implants to support a mandibular denture as a minimum standard of care, citing the poor Implant Supported Overdentures