Dental implants are among the most effective tooth replacement options for many cases. However, older patients may be concerned about how their age and potential preexisting conditions may impact their eligibility. Here’s what you should know about dental implants for seniors and whether they may be right for you.
Age and Dental Implant Success Rates
Older patients should know that age is not a limiting factor when it comes to dental implant success rates. In fact, seniors are among the most common demographics for dental implant surgery. With 13% of adults 65 and over facing complete tooth loss, replacement teeth are a solution many seniors depend on.[1]
Dental implants have very high success rates in general, and that holds true for implant treatment for seniors. However, factors related to aging could make a treatment option other than dental implants a better choice for certain individual cases. Some patients may even require additional treatment to prepare for implant surgery.
For example, bone loss along the jawbone is among the most common age-related issues that could complicate dental implant placement.[2] Dental implants require a strong jawbone to provide a solid foundation, and patients who have lived with missing teeth for an extended period of time can experience bone loss in their jaw that prevents straightforward implant placement.
Dental Implants for Seniors
While dental implants for seniors may require additional treatments before placement, the benefits of dental implants make them an ideal choice for older adults facing tooth loss in most cases.
Dental implants are titanium posts with screw-like bases that support artificial teeth or full-arch restorations. They can provide an exceptional foundation, eliminating any potential slippage or discomfort caused by full or partial dentures. The artificial teeth look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
Dental implant placement can also prevent long-term oral health issues, such as jawbone deterioration. An option such as dentures simply sit on top of the gums, so they don’t provide the stimulation and resistance natural tooth roots do. On the other hand, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone, providing stimulation to keep it strong and healthy.
Replacing missing teeth is also vital to safeguarding remaining natural teeth. A gap in your smile allows other teeth to shift out of their proper positions, which can cause a wide range of oral health issues.
Health Considerations Concerning Dental Implants
If you have existing health conditions, you may require a modified approach to dental implants or a different tooth replacement option altogether. In cases of jawbone loss, bone graft surgery is often an effective way to allow a dental implant placement.[3]
Bone graft surgery entails transplanting bone material from another location or source to the point where the jaw is too thin or too weak. The transplanted bone material integrates with the jaw over several months, at which point dental implant placement can be carried out.
The Dental Implant Treatment Process
Dental implant procedures vary case-by-case but typically follow the same general steps. First, you’ll have a consultation to ensure dental implant placement is the right option. This will generally involve an evaluation, X-rays or CT scans, and discussing your lifestyle, goals, and concerns.
Some cases may require additional procedures, like bone grafting, before proceeding. Dental implant placement itself is a surgical procedure in which one or more dental implants are placed. The implants must then heal and bond with the jaw bone in a process called osseointegration that takes several months.
Once osseointegration is complete, the abutment and artificial tooth or teeth are attached to the dental implants. You can then enjoy a stunning, strong, and restored smile for years.
Explore Dental Implants in Rochester Today
Dental implants for seniors could be the right option to restore your smile and ensure your long-term oral health. You can find out more about replacement teeth options by talking with the trusted team at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester. Contact us online or call today at 585-534-3346 to schedule your consultation and learn more about dental implants for seniors.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db368.htm
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4363814/
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21727-dental-bone-graft
