Implants and Older Patients

Due to advances in modern medicine, there is an ever increasing demographic trend towards a larger number of older patients. Many of these patients are missing teeth for various reasons. Conventional replacement of missing teeth, such as crown and bridge therapy and removable dentures, may not be the preferred method of tooth replacement for many of these patients.

Implant Reconstruction At Age 90

Balshi T

This 90 year old "Great-grandmother" (Fig 1) presented with a chief complaint of compromised function due to missing mandibular teeth and an unstable partial overdenture prosthesis (Fig 2). Continued below

Her medical history was significant only with regard to controlled hypertension and a history of a spontaneous femur fracture two years prior.

It was determined that optimal bone was available for the placement of Brånemark implants in the mandible to construct a fixed prosthesis instead of a complete removable denture (Fig 3). The remaining teeth were extracted with concomitant placement of seven Brånemark implants into the mandible. The patient healed uneventfully with little swelling or ecchymosis.

Three months following implant placement, Stage II surgery was completed, including the construction of a fixed acrylic prosthesis. A traditional type IV gold framework was used as the supporting structure for the final mandibular fixed prosthesis (Fig 4 a,b,c).

This patient enjoyed the last four years of life with complete oral function. The ability to dine with her nursing home colleagues and masticate food efficiently gave her enormous pleasure (Fig 1). It was an honor and a pleasure to know this "Great" woman over my entire lifetime. She was called "Great" by my children, a name affectionately bestowed on my wonderful grandmother (Fig 5).
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