Published on May 5, 2022, Updated on May 5, 2022
Many senior citizens wonder if and how they can afford dental implant therapy. The good news is that dental implants are still available to seniors. Dental implants are now very affordable thanks to advances in modern dentistry. Dental implants for the elderly are also considered safe, so there is no need to be concerned. Furthermore, the implant procedure has no effect on the declining bone density of senior patients.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Implants for Senior Patients?
Many people begin to lose their teeth as they get older. This can have serious consequences for one’s quality of life, facial aesthetics, and socialization. However, as modern restorative dentistry advances, more dental prosthetic devices effectively replace missing teeth. Dentures, which have serious limitations, have been used. Implant-supported dentures are a much better type of restoration in comparison to upper or lower dentures and they are much more durable than a partial implant or a fixed bridge. It appears more natural, does not restrict what you eat, does not require removal for cleaning and before going to bed, and will not slip or fall off at the wrong time.
What is the Eligibility of Getting Permanent Implants for Senior Patients?
Whether it is a single tooth, multiple teeth implants, teeth implants in a day or a full mouth reconstruction, these are excellent options for permanent tooth replacement.
- The most important prerequisite is a thorough examination. The examination determines whether or not you are a suitable candidate. Because they are firmly attached to the jaw bone, they provide stable support for dentures. However, if the jaw bone is not strong enough to support them, particularly for an all-on-4 dental implant or a full arch restoration, additional measures may be required.
- Chronic, uncontrolled diabetes and other diseases that reduce body immunity will almost always be a factor.
- Traditional dentures have been used for many years, but they are not nearly as effective as these. Dentures have been used for many years because they were the only ones available at the time. Several people have already changed their minds, and they no longer see it as a viable treatment option. The variety of systems and designs available allows the individual to select what they want or need.
- A professional performing the work must have prior experience working with elderly patients. They are kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable in their field.
- Receiving an implant necessitates surgery, and recovery may be hampered by weakened immunity.
- The exam is also required to determine whether the jaw is of sufficient quality to keep the implant in place under chewing forces. Inadequate bone is not a problem. Bone grafting is available at an additional cost.
Further reading on How do I choose the right dentist for dental implants?
What to Expect: Dental Implants for Seniors?
Dental implants are not for everyone, so patients must go through a series of screening procedures to ensure that they are eligible. Several steps are usually involved in the procedure:
Consultation.An experienced dentist will examine the senior’s mouth, take x-rays, and discuss and plan for dental implant surgery if they qualify.
Placing Dental Implants.Your dentist will place the dental implant in the jaw where the missing teeth should be at the next appointment. Seniors will experience little to no discomfort or pain, and they will be able to resume their daily routine the following day.
Osseointegration.When the dental implant and jawbone begin to grow together, the process is known as osseointegration. This procedure assists the implant and jawbone in forming a permanent and long-lasting foundation for the replacement teeth.
To ensure proper healing of the implants, expect to be on a soft food diet for the next few weeks. It will take several weeks to a few months for senior citizens to return to their normal lives.
Which is Better for Seniors: Dentures or Dental Implants?
Dentures have been around for a long time, and many seniors prefer them to other treatment options because they are more familiar with them. While dentures have greatly improved over the years, they can still cause problems for seniors who wear them. Denture adhesive can sometimes fail to properly secure dentures, resulting in slippage. Denture slippage is frequently both inconvenient and embarrassing. Furthermore, because of the slippage, dentures can be very uncomfortable as they rub against your gums. They must also be installed on a regular basis and, in some cases, replaced if they stop working or begin to break down.
In contrast, dental implants are a permanent fixture in your mouth. As they are surgically implanted into your jawbone, the implants have caps that look and function like natural teeth. They are designed to look as natural as possible by matching your existing teeth. These are designed to remain in your mouth and cannot be removed. It will feel strange at first to have an implant in your mouth, but once you get used to it, you will forget you have one because it looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth. It does not require frequent adjustments and can last for 20 years or more before needing to be replaced.
In short, most ‘healthy’ seniors can get these to restore their teeth, although the recovery after the surgery may be relatively slower than in younger people.
Although an affordable treatment, it is not for everyone and all options should be discussed with an expert. The decision is based on the patient’s health, the cost, and the amount of time that the patient has available. The patient should ask questions until he or she understands the benefits, procedure, and type of implants that are best suited to their needs. Schedule an appointment.
Sources:
- Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff – Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Root-form Endosseous Dental Implants and Endosseous Dental Abutments.
- Ancient dental implants: a recently proposed example from France evaluated with other spurious examples
