Dental Implants for Seniors
Losing teeth is often part of the aging process. Even with proper oral care, teeth may begin to fall out over time—which leads to the need for replacements. While many senior citizens opt for dentures, there are other, more sturdy options that allow for a better quality-of-life and lower overall costs.
One excellent option for replacing teeth is dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are installed in the jawbone using metal rods. Over time, they begin to fuse with the jawbone—allowing for them to become sturdy and secure. The metal rods of dental implants attach to a crown, which is an artificial tooth.
There are different types of dental implants that are available, including endosteal and subperiosteal implants. There are different advantages to both of these types of implants, and you’ll want to speak with your dentist about which is right to suit your specific needs.
The procedure for dental implants is simple, and usually involves the use of general anesthesia. After the procedure, over-the-counter medications are generally all that are needed to handle pain and discomfort.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants come with a variety of benefits that include:
- Great Aesthetic Appeal. Dental implants look very natural, and match the teeth around them well. This gives you back your smile, without any self-consciousness.
- Confidence. Having missing teeth can be embarrassing, which in turn leads to a drop in self-confidence. Dental implants allow you to speak and smile with confidence, and without worrying about anyone noticing any missing teeth.
- Security. Unlike dentures that can easily come out, dental implants are very secure. Because of this, you don’t have to worry as much about them slipping out of place. It also means you don’t need to remove them for cleaning.
- Cost. While dental implants may have a higher upfront cost, they also are extremely long-lasting. You’ll find that, over time, they will save you a lot of money.
- Eating. Dentures can make it very difficult to eat certain foods. This can be extremely frustrating. With dental implants, though, it’s easy to eat all of your favorite foods without discomfort. Fruits, meat and vegetables are all easier to eat—which gives you a larger diversity of food options.
- Jawbone Integrity. Not only are dental implants nice for eating and smiling, but they are also good for the health of your jaw. By helping to hold your surrounding teeth in place, dental implants stop your jawbone from being compromised over time and maintain the integrity of your jaw.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
If you are curious about whether or not dental implants are right for you, set an appointment with your dentist. They will take a look and see if you are a good candidate. From there, you can discuss costs and set a date for your new dental implants!