Edentulism is the condition of being without teeth,⁽¹⁾ and can, with the associated bone loss, impact a patient on a number of levels.⁽²⁾ Currently,

• Edentulous patients tend to avoid certain foods (ie, fruits, vegetables, meats), thereby putting them at a nutritional disadvantage⁽³⁾;
• Edentulism can negatively impact a patient's self-worth or social interactivity⁽⁴⁾;
• Edentulous patients may have a slight lisp and phonetic difficulties; and
• Edentulism can lead to bone loss⁽²⁾ and the deterioration of facial features.