Senior citizens find themselves on the brink of several health complications.
A prevalent concern among them is the rapid decline of dental health, making it challenging for the elderly to eat comfortably.
The nipping, recurring pain around teeth and gums adds to the discomfort.
In this case, dental implants for seniors can make all the difference. Innovative and sustainable at heart, these medical devices are surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a patient’s ability to chew and appear as usual.
If your dental health is down the drain – and you’re still weighing your options – it’s time to learn more about dental implants and decide if the procedure is the right solution.
Let’s dig right in.
Dental implants have been a groundbreaking innovation, helping millions grapple with damaged or missing teeth.
These are screw-like structures designed to function like artificial roots. Certified, experienced dentists surgically place these implants into the jawbone.
When fused with natural bone, dental implants build a solid, sturdy structure for artificial teeth, or crowns – and work akin to natural teeth. Notably, crowns are tailor-made to align with varied jaw structures and fit individual needs.
The connector, also referred to as an abutment, is positioned and affixed atop the dental implant, supporting crowns.
Only a few procedures in dentistry are as strong, stable, and reliable as dental implants. The success rate is greater than 98%, which speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the procedure in restoring oral function.
Senior dental implants have a reputation for revolutionizing the dental health of the elderly. Let’s take a closer look and understand the benefits of implants for seniors in complete detail.
Dental implants for seniors help with:
What’s more? Dental implants for seniors are a permanent tooth loss solution, meaning there are no concerns involved about dentures slipping off or falling off. Lastly, implants need a little maintenance, mostly brushing and flossing regularly.
Not only do dental implants improve the quality of life, but they are also a cost-effective, hassle-free solution to deteriorating dental health.
Seniors opting for implants have to go through a specific procedure. Below, we’ve outlined the steps involved.
An experienced implant dentist will assess your mouth, conduct X-rays (3-D images), and discuss implant options and surgery plans.
At your next appointment, the dentist will insert the implant into your jaw where your missing teeth should be. Most experience minimal discomfort and can return to work the following day. Sedation options are available for comfort.
Similar to other dental surgeries, you may experience swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, or pain that can be typically managed with over-the-counter medications.
Your implant and jawbone will gradually fuse during osseointegration, forming a strong foundation for replacement teeth. A soft food diet may be recommended during initial healing, with a return to normal activities within a few months.
Once the implant bonds with the jawbone, a small connector (abutment) is attached. Sometimes, this step occurs during the initial implant placement.
After gum healing, the dentist customizes your new artificial tooth or teeth, whether it’s a single crown, bridge, or denture. While artificial teeth don’t decay, regular care and check-ups are necessary.
Follow-up appointments vary based on the number and type of implants, usually spanning three to nine months. Regular visits ensure proper healing and ongoing oral health maintenance.
Dental implants may not be everybody’s cup of tea. Before getting ahead of yourself, consider the following factors.
Most elderly dental implants are successful.
However, a few cases go awry when the jaw bone doesn’t fuse well with the implants. In such scenarios, implants are removed altogether, and the surgery is conducted again in a few months.
If you have dental implants, adhere to these care practices to ensure that your implants last for a longer period of time.
Dental implants come off as an excellent solution for seniors struggling with missing teeth and poor face aesthetics.
However, these implants for seniors are expensive, and the overall cost can be a tad prohibitive. A single dental implant has an average price between $3,000 and $4,500 for the implant, the abutment, and the crown.
Older patients may also be required to bear the additional pre-procedure expenses that include X-rays, CT-Scans, bone grafts and extractions, and consultation charges, which can significantly inflate the bill.
A portion of the cost may be covered by dental insurance but some benefits may still be excluded. Hence, seniors may end up paying a big chunk of the sum.
Although dental implants may be expensive, the long-term outcomes—including increased quality of life, better oral health, and the potential for longevity—make them an option to consider for many seniors.
It would be an understatement to say that dental implants change the way seniors live their daily lives.
These are game-changers, so to speak, helping seniors significantly alter their appearance and relish food as if they’ve never experienced dental issues.
All these implants need is a little care and precaution.
For those considering implants as their next move, the market is swamped with various options. Seniors or their caretakers conduct their research, choose what works for them, and gain the maximum advantage of modern dentist procedures.
Indeed, dental implants are a perfect option for seniors with good general and oral health. Although bone density and gum health could affect the eligibility criteria, an expert dentist who is qualified to evaluate the case is needed to clearly determine eligibility.
Although the dental implant surgery entails some pain, it is well tolerated under the effect of local anesthesia. Elderlies may experience mild pain and swelling after the procedure, which could be controlled with pain medication and with proper care.
Recovery time may differ among people and as per procedure complexity. In general, elders can expect a few days to a week of some initial pain and swelling. Post-operative care instructions should be followed as given by the dentist to guarantee proper healing.
Although dental implants may have a higher initial price than other tooth replacement options, they provide long-term value and durability. Many seniors find that the pros are far more than the cons, especially considering the high quality of life and oral health that provide benefits.
Absolutely! Dentures are usually replaced with dental implants for more stability and comfort. The dentist can evaluate the possibility of implant installation and recommend proper treatment alternatives, meeting the demands of every patient.
