Kolkata, July 23 (IANS) Patients suffering from edentulism (missing all teeth in the jaw), on rise in India due to lack of hygiene and tobacco use, can now look forward to permanent dental implants which they do not have to rinse or take out before sleeping, said a renowned dentist Monday.

Conventional dentures still remain the most preferred option for patients, but they only restore ten percent of chewing ability and lead to jaw bone degradation, said dentist Suchetan Pradhan, who is also mentor to Nobel Biocare - a world leader in innovative restorative and aesthetic dental solutions.

But implants can restore from 60 to 80 percent of chewing ability and patients do not experience any bone shrinkage. Additionally it lasts for life, if proper oral care is taken, he told a media conference.

Pradhan said a pan Indian survey conducted by the company revealed that edentulism is on the rise in Indians due to improper oral hygiene and tobacco chewing habits. It usually strikes post-45 and is classified as a physical handicap by the World Health Organisation.

Patients of edentulism experienced speech problems, reduced chewing ability and loss of normal facial structure, which hugely impacted their social lives.

The permanent implants and prosthetics are made of titanium and bio-compatible materials.

The surgical procedure is done in one sitting. So you can go to the dentist with a toothless facial expression, but come back with a full set of pearly whites flashing a million dollar smile, he said.

Such titanium implants are popular in US and Switzerland, but are yet to pick up pace in India.

Though it is more expensive than the dentures, its longevity and hassle-free characteristics make it economically viable in the long run, he added.