Hightower,

Welcome to the OCF.

A couple of comments from a dentist that does think out of the box (most of the time). You've made some very interesting suggestions and your 30 year relationship has certainly helped you to know a lot about dentistry.

The type of implant that you described is called a subperiosteal implant. They actually were the first types of dental implants to be used and I don't think that there are many, if any, being placed today. There was a high degree of failure with them. In any case, you would be right that these would be less invasive and the only thing going into the bone would be the screws holding the framework to the bone. However, the technique requires at least two appointments, the first one being a surgical exposure of the site with an impression of the bone. After healing and fabrication of the framework, a second surgical procedure is needed and if the framework fits (often not from what I've heard) then it is screwed into place. Osseous implants, as done today, are all done in one visit.

I have discussed with Bill via email the idea of saving the the anterior abutmant crown and he said that this was already discussed with him by the dentist. I think keeping one pontic hanging off of a bicuspid crown, would put too much stress on the tooth and the bone around it. What I have suggested is that he check into the possibility of having the implants at the same time as the extraction and therefore avoid the possible need for additional HBO dives for the implants if done at a later date.

What was your realationship to dentistry?

Jerry