Benefits of Dental Implants

Gail ask us:
The benefits of dental implants as it pertains to oral health is well documented.

However, I am interested in getting more information regarding the overall health impact of dental implants beyond just the oral aspect. Have there been any studies regarding this aspect of dental implants? Can it be said that dental implants improve your overall well-being? If so, how? Thanks.

2 Responses to Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Dr P says:

   July 17, 2006 at 7:22 am

   Hi Gail,

   There have been numerous studies showing the positive impact of implants on fully edentulous patients – that is, implant supported dentures vs traditional dentures. The same can also be said for people with partial dentures.

   The studies have shown that people who get implant supported dentures eat better food (with consequent health benefits) and enjoy a greater social life. Even intimate activities like kissing improve.

   I suggest going to http://www.pubmed.com and do a search for “implant overdenture” or “Jocelyne Feine” – she’s done lots of research. You will see abstracts and summaries of all related studies. It can be a little technical, but the conclusions are pretty clear.

   Good luck!
2. Marvin Mansky says:

   July 19, 2006 at 8:13 pm

   Dental Implants May Improve Sex Life

   “In a 2005 research report, Heydecke et al[1], compared the impact of social
   and sexual activities by 102 adults between the ages of 35-65 years, before
   and after being fitted with dental implants, against people fitted with
   conventional dentures only. The research revealed that the subjects fitted
   with implant-retained dentures experienced a greater increase in comfort
   felt during kissing and sexual activity over a two month compared to those
   with normal dentures.
   Patients reported that conventional dentures often became loose during
   activities such as kissing, eating and speaking, resulting in both
   embarrassment and discomfort. Of those participants who experienced loose
   dentures when kissing, more than 80% felt uneasy when kissing, and 70% felt
   uneasy when engaged in sexual relations.”

   [1] The impact of conventional and implant supported protheses on social and
   sexual activities in edentulous adults. Guido Heydecke, Mark Thomason, James
   P Lund, Jocelyne S Feine; Journal of Dentistry 7 January 2005