Dental Implants for Seniors
Losing teeth is a common part of the aging process but losing one’s teeth need not imply a reduction in one’s quality of life. While traditional dental prosthetics in the shape of conventional dentures can be limiting and uncomfortable, new and improved dental technologies are able to offer much better alternatives for today’s seniors. Dental implants, specifically, are an excellent alternative to conventional dentures, offering increased strength, durability, ease of wear, and improved overall appearance, as well.
Dental Implants
Unlike conventional dentures, which are large, cumbersome appliances that sit on top of the gumline and are prone to moving around just when it is least desired, the structural components of dental implants are embedded firmly into the jawbone itself. These dental implant fixtures – small posts made of biocompatible titanium or zirconium – are surgically placed during the first step of creating dental implants. This is what give the implant crowns or the dentures they support their immense strength and durability.
Dental implants can support anywhere from one prosthetic tooth to an entire arch; additionally, they can be either fixed (permanent) or removable, depending on preference. While one implant is needed to support a single prosthetic tooth, four to six are typically used to support an upper or lower arch. This means that all of one’s existing teeth can be replaced with as few as eight dental implants.
Once the implant fixtures are placed and given time to meld with the hard tissues of the jawbone, connecting pieces can then be attached below the gumline. Soon after this point, once the soft tissues have healed, the implants are ready to receive the prosthetic tooth or teeth. All in all, the process usually takes three to six months.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors
The benefits of dental implants for seniors are many. For starters, they are much more durable. In contrast to conventional dentures, which require frequent upkeep and maintenance, dental implants typically last as long as 15 years, with the implants fixtures themselves lasting a lifetime.
Not only are they more comfortable to wear, but dental implants also allow for more ease and enjoyment when it comes to eating. Because of the deep structural support that the dental implant fixtures provide, those with dental implants are able to enjoy a much wider variety of foods than the wearers of conventional dentures, for example. While some care must be taken, as any kind of prosthetic tooth can be damaged by applying too much pressure, the limitations surrounding food are much more minimal.
The maintenance involved with dental implants requires less work, as well. While conventional dentures must be removed each night to be cleaned and soaked, many dental implants are fixed in the mouth, meaning that simple daily brushing is all that is required.
Many find that their appearance is rejuvenated by dental implants, as well. This is because the structure of dental implants much better mimics that of natural teeth, which in turn offers better support for facial features. Better yet, dental implants can not only help preserve but also regenerate bone tissue in the jaw.
Increased durability, better function, a more comfortable wearing experience and better looks and bone health: these are the reasons more of today’s seniors are choosing dental implants for their tooth replacement needs. For more information on how this technology can work for you, call your dentist today for an individualized consultation.