Worrying about Implants

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Should I get dentures or implants?

Implants and dentures are both effective treatment methods for tooth loss. The differences between these two methods can be characterized in the following way.

+ Dentures : Dentures supplement missing teeth on the surface. They do not supplement the root of the tooth.
+ Implants : A metallic foundation is implanted into the jaw bone. Crowns are inserted to supplement teeth.

An overwhelming number of our patients choose dentures over implants as a treatment method. This is because we use the telescope system, German dentures that are more reliable than implants. Telescope system dentures are easy on the body and safe. Patients are often very pleased with them because of their esthetic and functional superiority.

Cases in which implants prove difficult
+ When the jaw bone is too thin
+ When remaining teeth are loose
+ When there are a large number of damaged or missing teeth

Dentures ideal for recovering chewing functions and protecting remaining teeth

Merits of Riegel telescope
+ These dentures can be used for a long time while making only minor adjustments to fit the mouth as it changes throughout the years
+ They also protect the function of remaining teeth

Some patients have multiple cavities, pyorrhea, and broken teeth, leaving them with no choice but to have teeth extracted. In these cases it is usually necessary to have dentures remade from scratch, but Riegel telescope dentures can simply be adjusted to the patient's condition for continued use.
Of course, dental technicians design Riegel telescope dentures keeping in mind the patient's remaining weak teeth. So they are made to be easily adjusted for continual use. The idea behind this is that 'Riegel telescope dentures are made to protect weak teeth so they can last as long as possible'. This is an advantage that Riegel telescope has over implants.

Treatment that not only supplements lost teeth, but also takes into consideration the patient's future
Treatment that fixes remaining teeth in place in order to protect them and stabilizes bite alignment is referred to at our clinic as 'preventative prosthetics'.
This treatment not only supplements lost teeth, but it also takes into consideration the patient's future. We believe that it is our duty to help patients enjoy a more comfortable eating experience and improved health.

Here we answer some questions from our patients

Concerning the differences between implants and partial dentures
Q.I have a question about implants and partial dentures. (60 year old women, N.I.)
I am quite worried. In the past I have had my inner-most molar removed and have had a bridge made from the second tooth on one side of my mouth. However, the second tooth has cracked and now I am missing 3 molars. I also have a bridge on my molars on the other side. Lately all of my teeth seem to feel loose. When I went to the local dental clinic, they recommended partial dentures or implants. I was told it would cost from 220,000 to 280,000 yen for implants.

I have a few questions concerning what I was told.

+ Between implants and partial dentures, which would be better for me?
+ Is the price range of 220,000 to 280,000 yen typical for implants?
+ How is the usability of partial dentures?

To be honest, I feel resistant to the idea of getting dentures. 2 years ago I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and I had to have hip surgery. I also have slightly high blood pressure so implants frighten me a little as well...

A. A. First, let me tell you a little more about what implants are.
The roots of healthy teeth are firmly fused to the jaw bone and are covered with a cushion called the periodontal membrane. The gums function as a cover over this layer of cushion. Meanwhile, implants are constructed to be similar in structure and the roots are made from titanium, a safe metal. Implants can be fused to the bone and function in the same way as natural teeth. It is a wonderful treatment method that allows people to regain their lost teeth.

Our clinic's implant treatment process is extremely safe. This is because we work in cooperation with implant specialists and oral surgeons from university hospitals. However, there are cases in which implants are not appropriate.

Situations where implants are not suitable
Bone amount
Strong and sturdy bones are needed to support implants. (If the amount of bone is not enough, then more bone must be made.) If the foundation is not strong enough, then implants will prove ineffective as a treatment method. It is the same principle as in when building a house. We can determine through X-rays and CT scans if the bone is sufficient to support implants.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the greatest adversary to implants because it can be absorbed into the bone that supports them. For example, it is possible that even if the implants are put in right at the time, people with a tendency to get gingivitis will notice it effecting their teeth. After a while the implants may come loose...

Smoking
Surprisingly, this is not a very well-known fact. Smoking is not only a cause of gingivitis, but it is also a great adversary to implant treatment. Smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels which obstructs blood flow inside of the oral membrane and lowers the immune system throughout the entire mouth. This hinders healing after implant surgery, prevents recovery from gingivitis, which leads to inflammation around the implants, and can lead to many other detrimental effects.

Systemic illnesses
Since implants require treatment that can result in blood loss, people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure must be kept under favorable conditions. Implant treatment is also not allowed for people with osteoporosis.

At our clinic, we inquire about all of these factors beforehand and only provide implant treatment to patients whom are deemed to be healthy enough.

Answers
Q. Between implants and partial dentures, which would be better for me?

A. Partial dentures would be better in your situation, Ms. N.I.

Why?
+ You feel that all of your teeth are loose.
+ You have osteoporosis.
+ You have high blood pressure.
For these reasons we would not recommend implants in your case.

Q. Is the price range of 220,000 to 280,000 yen typical for implants?

If you go to a dental clinic that provides top-quality surgery, the usual cost for implants in your situation would be 400,000 to 600,000 yen. Dentists who specialize in implant surgery technology can charge a lot of money. The materials used for the procedure are also very expensive and there are various expenses related to the establishment and upkeep of implant surgery facilities. I would be more worried in your case about this quotation being too low. It seems a little questionable to me.

Q. How is the usability of partial dentures?

Here I would like to introduce the partial dentures we make at our clinic.

Telescope system
The mainstream treatment for tooth loss is implants. However, implants cannot prevent further tooth loss. Many elderly patients tend to have other diseases as well, such as gingivitis or weak jaw bones due to osteoporosis. This makes it impossible to treat tooth loss with implants. Also, dentures that are covered by insurance use clasps that grip onto remaining teeth which adds an extra burden to healthy teeth. This ultimately leads to further tooth loss.
At our clinic the telescope system usually covers every case.
One type of telescope system is called Riegel telescope. Riegel, in Riegel telescope means 'bolt' (as in a deadbolt). These dentures are equipped with a small locking mechanism. They can be attached and removed by simply opening and closing the lock.
Also, they may be used for many years since they can be adjusted to fit the patient's oral condition. They also prevent further tooth loss since they link all of the teeth together and hold them firmly in place.
Riegel telescope is a safe treatment method that I recommend for people with systemic illnesses like Ms. N. I.
Also, even if a patient suffers from gingivitis, these dentures can strengthen their teeth by fixing remaining teeth into place. And should the patient end up losing any more teeth, they can be adjusted to the oral condition and continue to be used. With conventional dentures it is necessary to have them remade from scratch every time a tooth falls out, but with Riegel telescope dentures, the same set can be used for life.

It is a national characteristic of Germans to take care of things, repair them, and continue to use them for a long time. The same is true for dentures, and Riegel telescope has more than 100 years of history. This telescope system has been improved and used to treat patients countless times over the years.

I must also mention here the comfort of Riegel telescope dentures. They attach into place easily and comfortably and there is no awkward feeling to the tongue which makes these dentures so natural feeling that you may forget that you are even wearing them.

The high quality of Riegel telescope technology is attested to by a number of patients who received treatment over 31 years ago when Inaba Dental Office's advisor, Shigeru Inaba, first brought the technology over from Germany. Even today they are still using the same pair of dentures from that time. Over the last 31 years, Inaba Dental Office has treated over a thousand cases using the Riegel telescope treatment method.

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