Dental implants are considered by many to be the gold standard in tooth restoration, providing a long-term solution to missing teeth that fully restores oral function with a natural, aesthetically superior appearance. Many older people may remember the removable dentures used by their family members, which were prone to slipping, painfully rubbing, and interfering with comfortable eating and speech. Thanks to significant advances in dental technology, dental implants are the preferred method for replacing missing teeth. For patients over 60, this innovation can replace clumsy removable dentures with comfortable, lifelike dental restorations, helping protect and preserve the oral health and the overall health throughout the lifespan and allowing wearers to eat with gusto and speak and smile with confidence and ease.
Dental implants are small titanium cylinders that are surgically placed within the jawbone, below the gums, where they function much like natural tooth roots. Implant posts provide a sturdy foundation for individual prosthetic teeth or dental bridges that replace a few teeth in a row. These prosthetics can be made to match the natural appearance of the patient’s teeth, restoring the appearance of the smile while improving chewing ability and overall oral function. For many senior citizens, dental issues can interfere with the ability to chew food well, which can lead to deficiencies in nutrition and problems with the overall health. Dental implants provide a sturdy, stable base for chewing, allowing seniors, and wearers of any age, to enjoy variety in their diets without having to deal with clumsy removable dentures.
Dental implants also help preserve the bone structure in the jaw, which is particularly important in aging patients with osteoporosis. When a natural tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported its root will deteriorate over time, due to lack of stimulation. Dental implant posts stimulate the bone like tooth roots would, helping strengthen the bone and maintain the facial structure and oral health. When dental implant posts are placed in the bone, they’re given time to heal. In this healing time, the bone fuses with the biocompatible dental implant, in a process called osseointegration. This process is what makes dental implants so stable and strong and what helps them be so beneficial to the health of the bone.
Dental implants can also be particularly beneficial for patients over 60 because they require minimal maintenance, unlike removable dental prosthetics like dentures. Oral hygiene is crucial to the long-term success of dental implants, but the process of cleaning them is identical to the process of cleaning the natural teeth; brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. Dental implants generally cost more than other types of dental restorations, but, as a long-term replacement option that can dramatically enhance quality of life and support both oral and overall health, many patients consider this a worthwhile investment. Dental insurance plans often cover at least a portion of dental implant treatments, so it’s always a good idea to ask your dentist and check with your insurance provider if you think dental implants are a good idea for you. Not all patients are eligible for all types of dental implant treatment, but you and your dentist can discuss and address any concerns in your initial consultation with a qualified implant dentist. Some patients require additional procedures, like periodontal treatment or bone grafts; again, most patients consider this added investment a worthy sacrifice when weighed against the immense benefits of dental implants.
