CASE REPORT

WHEN IMPLANTS ARE BETTER THAN TEETH

By Dr. Victor M. Sternberg

July 19, 2022

I recently shared with you a case where the tooth survival was possible and critical in an advanced periodontal patient.  Now I am going to show the caveat where implants are better than teeth.

This is particularly true of high caries patients.  The gentleman in question is 93 years old.  He suffers from a number of medical ills and I have, unfortunately, watched him deteriorate mentally and physically.  At 93 however, he is still concerned about his mouth and wants to be comfortable.

Over the last 25 years numerous implants have been placed for this gentleman.  However, at a recent visit after a long hiatus from Covid-19 and his own medical issues, he appeared in the office with the following set of films.  He is currently asymptomatic but his mouth is exceedingly dry.  The dilemma, what to do?

In high caries patients implants have a better survival rate, in my opinion, and are often better choices than trying to deal with patients  who have a significant propensity for recurrent decay.

Now faced with what to do with this gentleman, I would appreciate feedback from all of you.

Thanks.

Yours truly,

Victor M. Sternberg, D.M.D.

By Westchester Center for Periodontal & Implant Excellence

January 26, 2023