There are many stereotypes and assumptions people make about aging. Some of which include patients losing all of their teeth when they get older and eating soft foods. Fortunately, this is not the reality. In addition, patients don’t have to live with ill-fitting dentures which require nightly removal. Patients who are in good health and have a healthy jawbone are often excellent candidates for dental implants. Dental implants are an excellent tooth-replacement solution for patients, regardless of their age. Implants help patients restore the function and appearance of their smile, even giving them the ability to enjoy various foods without limitations.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease which results in bone loss and brittle bones. Older patients are at an increased risk for disease. Post-menopausal women are especially at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis also increases the risk of tooth loss in patients. The disease has a direct impact on the strength of the bones. As a result of this, patients with osteoporosis often assume they are not a good candidate for dental implants.
Fortunately, osteoporosis does not prevent patients from being a qualified candidate for implants. Patients who have bone loss in the jaw may still be able to receive dental implants. One benefit of implants is that patients with the disease can actually improve their nutrition and reduce their risk for future bone loss.
One question older patients have regarding dental implants is if the benefits outweigh the cost of the procedure. Healthy patients have a longer life expectancy than ever before. Implants can last for many years and help enhance the patient’s nutrition and longevity.
There are many challenges associated with missing teeth. Dentures also have significant limitations and challenges. Implants require a few days of recovery and up to a few months of healing before patients have a strong and durable tooth restoration which looks and functions just like the natural teeth.
Healthy adult patients of any age are great candidates for implants. There have been patients in their late 80’s and early 90’s who have successfully completed the procedure. Implants undoubtedly improve a patient’s quality of life whether they are 25 or over 60. Patients with implants feel confident in their beautiful smile, can eat virtually anything they want, and are able to maintain good oral health.
Without implants, patients often have to make dietary modifications or rely on the remaining natural teeth for chewing. In cases where patients have dentures, the dentures may need to be removed for eating certain foods or the food has to be avoided altogether. It is important for patients to consume a balanced and nutritious diet. The loss of teeth can place added stress on the remaining natural teeth. It can also result in uneven wear and tear on the teeth.
Many patients with missing teeth debate between the use of dentures and implants in restoring their smile. While dentures are more affordable up front, they come with many challenges and limitations which patients should consider. Dentures can also be quite expensive to maintain and require replacement as they are less durable. Dental implants are more expensive initially, but have significant benefits which often make the added expense worthwhile. Some of the key benefits associated with implants are summarized below:
1. Enhanced nutrition and the ability to consume any food without limitations
2. Incredibly strong and secure, with the ability to function just like the natural teeth
3. Easier to maintain good oral hygiene as patients brush and floss the implants just like the natural teeth
4. Improved comfort and implants eliminate the need for dental adhesives
5. When implants are properly cared for, they can last for more than a decade
Older patients are finding that dental implants are an exceptional tooth-replacement solution which can help them restore the function and appearance of their smile. Follow up with your dentist to discuss if you many be a good candidate for implants.