Hydroxyapatite-coated implants in maxillofacial prosthetics.

Abstract

The use of implants provides a secure, comfortable, and emotionally satisfactory attachment of the patient to the prosthesis. It is anticipated that patients who are willing to undergo placement of implants would have a greater commitment to continued use of their prostheses. Clearly, there is a greater affinity between a patient and his or her prosthesis when the attachment is an intimate one. The use of implants, then, could reverse functional deficiencies and raise the quality of the patient's post-disease life.