Anyone who has suffered the loss of their teeth will tell
you that few things in life are as inconvenient, embarrassing–and
costly.
The advent in recent years of titanium implant technology
has greatly improved the lives of those who wear dentures,
but the high price puts it beyond the reach of many who need
it most.
Now a study at the University of British Columbia is looking
at the cost and design of dental prostheses used with implants,
to see if they can be better made, and at a lower cost.
“Practitioners have their own sense of what works, but it
is not backed up by research,” said project director Dr. Joanne
Walton, an associate professor in the Dept. of Clinical Dental
Sciences. “By looking at commonly used designs, we may find
that one of the least expensive dentures is just as good as
the most expensive. If so, it makes sense to offer that alternative
to patients. We want to know what will bring the greatest
good to the greatest number of people.”
Conventional dentures–difficult to fit, sometimes painful–are
often poor substitutes for real teeth. That’s what made titanium
implants welcome news for the 70 per cent of Canadians over
65 who have at least one denture.
The expensive procedure sees two or more titanium cylinders
implanted into the bone of the lower jaw. Titanium is a biologically
compatible metal that bone cells can adhere to, firmly attaching
it to the jaw. Short studs are left protruding above the gum
and dentures equipped with special fasteners simply snap onto
them.
“Many people who get implants say they have not had such
a good, firm fit since they had their own teeth,” Walton said.
But as implants have become more common, Walton and other
clinicians have found that problems can develop with the prostheses
they retain. The research literature has little to say about
this.
The UBC researchers will remedy this by looking at issues
such as prosthesis breakage, patient satisfaction and keeping
dentures properly adjusted.
Another major focus is the cost-effectiveness of implant
prostheses, an issue no one has studied before. With as many
as five implants required to fit a prostheses, the cost can
range as high as $12,000, prohibitive for a senior on a fixed
income.
For the purposes of this study, volunteers will receive implants
and dentures for just $1,800, including follow-up repairs
and adjustments for two years at no cost.
All dental work will be done by qualified professionals,
not students, and will use only proven techniques and materials.
Study participants after the implants are asked only to attend
regularly scheduled dental appointments.
The study is funded by the National Health Research Development
Program of Health Canada and Nobel Biocare, the Swedish company
which produces the titanium implants. For more information
or to participate in the study call the Oral Implant Clinic
at 822-5583.
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