Dental Implants for Older Patients
People make a variety of stereotypes and assumptions regarding the natural aging process. This may include irrational things such as older patients losing all of their natural teeth and being required to eat soft, pureed foods. Patients are often relieved to hear that this is not usually the case. While patients may be at an increased risk for tooth-loss as they age, there are tooth-replacement options which can effectively restore the function and appearance of missing teeth. In addition, there are options beyond ill-fitting dentures which fall out of place and have significant limitations. Patients with a healthy jawbone who are in good health may be a great candidate for receiving dental implants. Dental implants are a relatively new tooth-replacement solution which can work extremely well for adult patients. Implants are incredibly strong and secure, resolving many of the limitations associated with traditional dentures. They effectively restore the function and appearance of the patient’s smile and can last for many years without any issues.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease which can cause the bones to be brittle and even result in bone loss. The disease is more common in older patients who are at an increased risk. Women who are postmenopausal are at an especially high risk for the disease. In addition to bone loss, osteoporosis increases the risk for patients to experience the loss of teeth as the disease can cause the bones to become weak. Patients who have osteoporosis often make the assumption that they will not be candidates for dental implants, but this is fortunately not the case. It is still possible for patients with bone loss in the jaw to still be good candidates for implants. A key benefit of implants for patients with osteoporosis is that they can actually improve the patient’s nutrition, lowering their risk for bone loss in the future.
Denture Disadvantages
Missing teeth can cause numerous challenges and result in serious oral health problems. Unfortunately, there are serious limitations and challenges associated with dentures. They are often ill-fitting, slip out of place, uncomfortable, require dietary restrictions, and need to be removed nightly for cleaning. Once the implant fuses to the jawbone and the crown is attached, patients have a strong and durable tooth restoration. Implants have the function and appearance similar to the natural teeth, while resolving the challenges associated with dentures.
Implant Candidates
Any adult patient who is in good health can be an excellent candidate for implants, regardless of their age. Patients with missing teeth who are even in their 80’s or 90’s have completed the implant procedure and found it to be beneficial. Implants are able to improve the patient’s quality of life no matter how old they are. Implants help patients feel confident with their restored smile and ability to eat the foods they love.
Missing Teeth Challenges
When patients do not replace their missing teeth, they are often required to make dietary modifications. In addition, untreated missing teeth placed added pressure on the remaining natural teeth for chewing. Patients need to consume a well-balanced and nutritious diet in order to maintain good health. This is increasingly difficult with missing teeth. Missing teeth can also cause the remaining natural teeth to shift out of place and experience uneven wear and tear. Good oral health is also difficult to maintain.
Dentures vs. Implants
It is common for patients with missing teeth to decide between using dentures or implants to restore their smile. Dentures are less expensive initially, but also have significant limitations and challenges which should be considered. In addition, dentures can be expensive to maintain and require replacement.
Dental implants are an investment as they are more expensive up front. In most cases, the benefits associated with implants outweigh the added expense. Below are some of the main benefits of implants:
- Improved nutrition and eliminate dietary restrictions
- Strong and secure, functioning like natural teeth
- Easy oral hygiene regimen of regular brushing and flossing, just like the natural teeth
- Comfortable and no need for dental adhesives
- Can last for a decade or more when properly cared for
Dental implants are an amazing tooth-replacement solution for patients regardless of their age. Contact the office today to discuss how implants can help restore the function and appearance of your missing teeth.