Max Implant

Recently, I was asked to speak on behalf of Keystone Dental Inc. about their Max implant. The seminar format was unique in that a small number of dentists were invited, creating a more casual approach to continuing dental education. We met for dinner at Touro Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse in Richmond Hill where the meal starts with a 40 item salad bar complimented by meat and seafood service presented on BBQ skewers table side. It’s a real conversation starter. Just as interesting was the Tri Max implant with its wide body design, ideal for implant placement in the molar region immediately following an extraction. Because of its unique design, it maximizes bone preservation, minimizes need for bone grafting, avoids adjacent tooth roots, reduces treatment time and allows dentists to use standard surgical protocol and instrumentation. It even allows for platform switching making this implant very versatile and adaptable for restoration. This supports healthy dental function and desirable dental aesthetics … which is always the end goal.

The seminar drew lots of questions and interest from attendees. All are welcome to contact our office should additional questions or concerns arise as you add this implant option to your roster of treatment options. I would like to thank everyone who attended — it was a terrific evening!

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss around the world and in Canada continues to be a chronic condition that detracts from quality of health and life. In the International Journal of Dentistry, 2013, Article: The Impact of Edentulism on Oral and General Health, Elham Emami et al cites the overall rate of edentulism in Canada in 2010 was 6.4%, and among adults between 60 and 79 years of age, it was 21.7%. The rate of edentulism tends to vary among different regions within a country with women and the poor being affected the most.

In a country as rich as Canada, why is tooth loss still so prevalent? Many reasons. Canada’s population rates are continually supported by immigration from around the world. Current economic conditions, employment rates, availability of dental insurance, and education levels all contribute to people’s quality of dental health. In addition, systemic health, diet, oral habits, age, gender and medications can impact the health of oral structures. Even the availability of local dentists in regions throughout the country has an impact on whether people can acquire dental treatment. Let’s not forget the basics of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

When one tooth is lost, a domino effect often occurs including the tipping, drifting and over-erupting of neighboring teeth. Spaces develop between teeth, periodontal defects develop and the domino effect continues. Without early intervention and education, individual tooth loss can lead to total edentulism (complete tooth loss).

There are excellent solutions available today to remedy single tooth loss and complete edentulism for those who have the ability to pay. What remains a challenge is to support individuals and communities who lack the ability to pay and who would benefit significantly from education and compassion today and in the future.