In the United States, seniors of 65 years or more have an average of 20.7 remaining teeth.¹ Tooth loss can be a struggle for anyone, lowering the quality of life and making something as simple as smiling an issue. This can be even more difficult for seniors. One of the best options for elderly patients with missing teeth is the dental implant. Learn more about dental implants for seniors and how they can offer lasting benefits when you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth.
What Are Dental Implants for Seniors? Understanding the Basics
Dental implants are made of a titanium post that goes into your jawbone and holds up a crown that looks identical to your natural teeth. They can come in standard and mini sizes, depending on the use, and require a small incision to insert the post into the jaw.
Dental implants for seniors function just like natural teeth. They allow you to chew and speak as you usually would. They also require the same level of care as your natural teeth.
Dental Implant Benefits for Elderly Patients
Dental implants for seniors offer a variety of benefits that can impact oral health and quality of life.
Advantages of Dental Implants for Seniors’ Oral Health
When you lose a tooth, you also lose the tooth root that went with it. This root stimulates the jawbone to keep making bone cells, doing so every time you chew. Without that stimulation, the jawbone begins to deteriorate.
Because a dental implant functions like a tooth’s root, it can allow your jawbone to keep making bone cells. Not only does this mean that your jawbone remains healthy, but it also prevents other teeth from moving or falling out. Dental implants help you maintain your overall dental structure and oral health.
Improved Functionality and Comfort With Dental Implants in Older Adults
Wearing dentures or other types of replacement teeth can be uncomfortable. Even if you use adhesives, dentures can shift and rub against your gums, leading to sores. This is something you never have to worry about with dental implants.
You also don’t have to stress about speaking. Speaking with dentures can be difficult, especially if the appliances don’t fit correctly. With dental implants, you never have to worry about anything shifting when you open your mouth.
How Dental Implants Enhance Quality of Life for Senior Patients
Dental implants allow you to eat almost anything you like. With dentures, you generally have to stay away from foods like:
- Steak
- Corn on the cob
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Sticky candy
- Apples
This can impact your nutrition and enjoyment of life. When you get dental implants, you don’t have to worry about food restrictions, helping you enjoy your favorite meals. And because dental implants require the same kind of care as your natural teeth, you don’t have to use special products or stress about taking dentures out to clean them during the night.
Knowing you can eat what you like and speak without fear of slipping dentures can help confidence levels. It can even encourage you to socialize more, improving your overall quality of life.
Specialized Periodontal Care for Seniors
At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester our professional and compassionate team is ready to answer your questions about dental implants and provide you with any treatments you need.
Contact Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester today to schedule a consultation. 585-685-2005
Sources:
[1] https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/seniors
