From removable dentures to Straumann implants at age 73

Maksym Makarenko

Максим Макаренко Specializes in: surgery, implant placement and dental prosthetics

A 73-year-old patient came to us with a complex problem. Some teeth were missing, while others were mobile. She already had removable dentures, but using them was uncomfortable: they did not stay in place properly, interfered with eating, and did not allow her to smile with confidence.

We performed an examination and computed tomography to assess the condition of the bone and the remaining teeth. It turned out that several teeth could still be preserved, but a significant number needed to be removed. Based on the diagnostics, we proposed a comprehensive treatment plan.

Treatment plan:

  • Perform professional oral hygiene.
  • Perform retreatment of the teeth that would remain.
  • Remove 4 mobile teeth and remove the old bridge-like restorations.
  • Place 7 Straumann BLX implants (3 in the upper jaw on the left, 2 in the lower jaw on the left, and 2 in the lower jaw on the right).
  • Make temporary crowns. Create a mock-up and then fabricate permanent ceramic restorations.

The patient agreed, and we began treatment.

STAGE 1

Professional hygiene, dental treatment

The hygienist performed a complete cleaning of the oral cavity to prepare it for the next procedures. The endodontist retreated the canals of the teeth we decided to preserve so they could serve reliably in the future prosthetic restoration.
STAGE 2

Surgery

The surgeon removed 4 teeth (a central tooth in the upper jaw, two anterior teeth in the lower jaw, and the fifth tooth on the left), and then placed sutures.
STAGE 3

Implant placement

Seven Straumann BLX implants were placed. Gingiva formers were placed immediately, and the jaws were scanned to fabricate the mock-up.
STAGE 4

Mock-up and try-in

After 1.5 months, the patient returned. We transferred the mock-up to the upper and lower jaws and photographed it to assess aesthetics, the midline, and smile symmetry.
STAGE 5

Mock-up fabrication and try-in

During the same visit, the tooth mock-up was reproduced for the patient, and the doctor transferred the model into the oral cavity. The patient chose the tooth color, and minor adjustments were made to the future shape and size of the teeth.
STAGE 6

Permanent prosthetics

After 4 days, ceramic restorations for the upper and lower jaws were fabricated and fixed in place.

Summary

The patient received a new smile — strong, stable, and aesthetic. She can eat again without pain or limitations and smile without embarrassment.

✨ This case proves that even at 73, it is possible to receive modern implants and fully restore a smile. Age is not an obstacle when there is a desire to live well.

👉 If you have also been postponing treatment for a long time, schedule a consultation. We will select a solution specifically for you — reliable, comfortable, and aesthetic.

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    Максим Макаренко

    Maksym Makarenko

    Oral surgeon. Clinical experience: 23 years. Doctor of Sciences.