Lost Dentures During a Patient's Hospital Stay: A Common Problem and How We Can Help

Lost Dentures in NHS Hospitals? Private Mobile Dental Service in Worthing, Sussex, Surrey, and London

Losing dentures during a hospital stay is an increasingly common issue that can cause significant distress for patients. Whether it's due to a short stay for a routine procedure or a longer stay for more serious health concerns, misplaced or lost dentures can severely impact a patient's ability to eat properly, chew, and maintain their overall comfort. Unfortunately, this issue is all too familiar within hospitals across Worthing, Sussex, Surrey, and London.

Hospitals are busy environments where patients are often moved between wards, and their personal belongings, including dentures, can easily become misplaced. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as being moved to a different bed, confusion among hospital staff, or simply being misplaced by the patient themselves, particularly if they are unwell or disoriented. The impact of lost dentures can be profound, leading to difficulty in eating, discomfort, and even embarrassment, especially if the patient is in the hospital for an extended period.

For patients, the loss of dentures is more than just an inconvenience; it is a significant healthcare issue. Without dentures, patients may struggle with chewing, leading to nutritional challenges and discomfort. This problem can be particularly acute for elderly patients, who are more likely to be admitted for long-term care. It’s crucial for hospital staff, including nurses and healthcare assistants, to be aware of the importance of dentures and take extra care to prevent them from being lost.

At the Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry in Worthing, we understand the distress that lost dentures can cause. That’s why we offer a comprehensive mobile dental service, also known as a domiciliary dental service, to assist patients who have lost their dentures during a hospital stay. Our team of experienced dentists can visit patients directly in the hospital, whether in Worthing, Sussex, Surrey, or London, to provide immediate assistance.

Our mobile dental service is designed to be convenient and efficient, ensuring that patients who have lost their dentures can quickly get a replacement. We offer a range of denture options, including fully acrylic dentures and cobalt chrome dentures for both upper and lower teeth. These high-quality dentures are custom-made to fit each patient’s needs, allowing them to regain their ability to eat, chew, and speak comfortably.

For patients staying in NHS hospitals, we provide detailed information on the costs associated with replacement dentures and offer support in navigating the process to ensure they receive the care they need. As a private practice, our service is particularly beneficial for patients who may not be able to visit a dental practice due to their hospital stay or health condition.

In addition to providing new dentures, we also work closely with hospital staff to raise awareness about the importance of denture care during a patient’s stay. By educating nurses, healthcare assistants, and other hospital staff about the risks of lost dentures and the steps that can be taken to prevent this issue, we aim to reduce the frequency of this common problem.

In summary, lost dentures during a hospital stay are a significant issue that can impact a patient's health and wellbeing. At the Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry, we are committed to providing prompt and effective solutions through our mobile dental service, ensuring that patients can quickly regain their comfort and dignity. If you or a loved one has lost dentures during a hospital stay, please contact us for assistance. Our team is here to help, providing the care and support needed to restore your smile.

Dental implants in patients affected by systemic diseases - By Dr Amir Mostofi -DDS, Dip. (Ortho.), MSc(Implant.)

Dental implants in patients affected by systemic diseases

The exploration of dental implant success among patients burdened by systemic diseases reveals a realm of nuanced considerations, pivotal for optimising patient care and outcomes. Authored by N. Donos and E. Calciolari and published in the British Dental Journal in 2014, this comprehensive review sheds light on the intersection between systemic health conditions and dental implantology, presenting an invaluable resource for dental professionals worldwide.

Systemic diseases, encompassing a wide array of health conditions, often necessitate medications that could influence or complicate the process of dental implant surgery. Understanding the intricate relationship between these systemic conditions and dental implant success is crucial for clinicians, as it aids in the meticulous planning and execution of implant surgeries, ensuring both the safety and well-being of patients. This narrative delves into the evidence surrounding implant survival and success in patients with systemic diseases, offering practical suggestions for clinicians and highlighting areas necessitating further research.

Dental implants represent a cornerstone in the treatment of edentulism, showcasing high survival rates and offering a semblance of natural dentition. The essence of achieving successful implant outcomes lies in judicious patient selection, entailing a thorough medical history evaluation and a comprehensive assessment of the surgical site's complexity. Certain systemic conditions, underscored by varying levels of evidence, have been identified as potential complicating factors or even contraindications to implant surgery. This increasing prevalence of medically compromised individuals seeking dental implants underscores the importance of understanding the impact of systemic diseases and associated medications on both the surgical procedure and the overall treatment outcome.

Among the systemic conditions deemed as absolute contraindications for implant surgery are recent cardiovascular events, recent major surgeries such as valvular prosthesis placement or organ transplants, heightened risk of bleeding, significant immunosuppression, active cancer treatment, and intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. These conditions pose not only a heightened risk of implant failure but also potential grave risks to the patient's overall health.

The review further explores the effect of various systemic diseases on dental implant outcomes, with a focus on bone diseases such as osteoporosis, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ), and other less common bone conditions. Osteoporosis, a prevalent bone disease, poses biological plausibility for impaired bone healing around implants, though evidence remains controversial. Antiresorptive medications, particularly bisphosphonates and denosumab, present a risk for MRONJ, influencing implant success rates and necessitating careful patient management.

Diabetes mellitus, characterised by hyperglycemia, has been shown to negatively impact bone metabolism and may impede osseointegration and implant success. The review emphasises the importance of glycaemic control in diabetic patients undergoing implant therapy, alongside the management of other complications associated with diabetes.

Cardiovascular diseases, bleeding disorders, and specific mucosal diseases such as oral lichen planus and ectodermal dysplasia are also scrutinized for their potential impact on dental implant outcomes. The review suggests tailored approaches and precautionary measures for patients with these conditions, aiming to maximise implant success while minimising risks.

The document culminates in general clinical recommendations, underscoring the limited evidence base concerning the effect of systemic diseases on dental implant success. It calls for larger prospective studies to enhance understanding and provide more definitive guidance. Despite a few conditions being labelled as absolute contraindications, the review advises dental professionals to weigh the benefits and risks of implant therapy carefully, engage in interdisciplinary communication, and adopt stringent follow-up regimens for patients with systemic diseases.

In essence, the review by Donos and Calciolari serves as a testament to the complexity of dental implantology within the context of systemic health. It beckons a holistic approach to patient care, emphasising the need for ongoing research, clinical prudence, and a deep understanding of the interplay between systemic diseases and dental implant outcomes.