Dental implants can be a game-changer for seniors, offering a permanent solution for missing teeth that significantly improves overall quality of life. Start a search online to learn more about this solution and find an oral surgeon near you.
Today, dental implants are the standard in modern dentistry for the prosthetic replacement of missing teeth. They’re sturdy and long-lasting, and they’re comfortable and just as natural as your very own teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent replacements for teeth that you’ve lost, had extracted, or are currently rotting. They’re rods that are implanted into your jaw, and a realistic-looking tooth (or cap) is attached on top. These caps can be matched to your remaining teeth so the replacements blend in and look natural.
Types of Dental Implants
There are two main types of dental implants, which you can learn more about below.
- Endosteal Implants: Placed or inserted directly into the jaw bone. Typically made of titanium and shaped like screws, they are the most common type of implant used in dentistry today. However, endosteal implants require sufficient jaw bone material to accept the implant. When that isn’t the case, a bone graft is needed.
- Subperiosteal Implants: Consist of metal frames that are placed on top of the jaw bone under a layer of gum tissue. When the gums heal, posts attached to the metal frame are used to support one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is often used when there is insufficient jaw bone mass to accept an endosteal implant. However, subperiosteal implants are not as popular today as they were in the past.
The Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors
Unlike other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants offer plenty of benefits for seniors. They’re an excellent choice because they’ll last you for the rest of your lifetime – but that isn’t the only reason you should choose implants over everything else.
The following are five of the biggest benefits dental implants can offer seniors.
Dental Implants Improve Appearance and Self-Esteem
Teeth play a huge role in a person’s appearance. When you’re missing a tooth, you likely are hesitant to smile because you’re afraid someone will notice your smile’s gap. Also, when teeth have been missing for a while, the jaw bone shrinks, and facial structure begins to deteriorate, which will make you look older.
However, a dental implant fills the missing space and looks completely natural. This leads seniors to feel better about themselves and have more self-esteem.
They’re Long Lasting and Permanent
With care, most dental implants will last your entire lifetime. Once they’re in place, dental implants can be cared for just like regular teeth. And they never need to be removed, realigned, or adjusted. On the other hand, dentures often have to be adjusted or replaced from time to time because they no longer fit well. Even bridges are not permanent as they typically only last about five to 15 years.
Implants Offer Increased Comfort and Convenience
Dental implants eliminate the need to take dentures out and clean them. No adhesive is required to keep implants in place when eating. After a while, some dentures no longer fit well, causing them to slip and move around. Dentures can also irritate the gums, especially when they slip.
However, implants act like natural teeth — they are permanently fixed and will not move around. You can simply live your life, and your dental implants will stay perfectly in place without pain or discomfort.
Activities Like Speaking and Eating Become Easier
Dental implants work in exactly the same way as natural teeth when it comes to speaking and eating. This is far superior to dentures because dentures may move around and make it difficult for a person to speak clearly and eat certain foods.
This problem is magnified when seniors lose a significant number of teeth due to the jaw bone shrinkage previously described. However, dental implants allow you to speak and eat as efficiently as with a full set of natural teeth.
Dental Implants Protect Your Remaining Natural Teeth
When a bridge is used to fill a space previously occupied by a tooth, the adjacent teeth are typically ground down in order to accept the bridge. This process weakens those teeth, which can lead to additional dental problems later on.
With dental implants, though, it isn’t necessary to grind down the adjacent teeth. You can keep your natural teeth in their normal shape. Dental implants also protect the remaining teeth by filling the vacant space between teeth, which prevents those teeth from shifting.
Learn More About Dental Implants for Yourself Today
Seniors, it’s essential to explore the many benefits of dental implants. These remarkable tooth replacements offer improved chewing ability, enhance speech clarity, and provide stability that traditional dentures often lack. Furthermore, dental implants can help maintain bone structure, promoting better oral health and overall well-being.
To discover more about the advantages of dental implants for seniors and how they can positively impact your quality of life, continue your research online. Learn from reputable sources and consult with dental professionals to make an informed decision about your oral health and regain that confident smile.