When you reach an older age, you might face dental problems leading to tooth loss. For missing tooth/ teeth, the most effective solution is dental implants for seniors. While seniors may find themselves vulnerable before getting this treatment, it is better to know the benefits and challenges of dental implants for seniors over 65.
Though dental implants have a high success rate in younger patients, they are also suitable for people of senior age. For senior citizens, tooth implants can restore their confidence by providing them with healthy and natural-looking teeth appearance. Moreover, they can attain various health benefits from improved chewing. There are many more benefits of dental implants for the elderly.
At the same time, there can be many risks involved in dental implants for the senior ones as compared to younger ones. Due to some health conditions, the recovery may be delayed. This article deals with all the benefits and challenges of dental implants for seniors in detail. Moreover, you can also read a final verdict to easily decide whether an implant will be a good option above the age of 65 or not.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant is a kind of surgical dental treatment to restore the functionality and appearance of teeth. It is suitable for people of any age. With a high success rate of 95% and above, this is an effective option and cost-effective in the long run. Dental implants are artificial teeth surgically placed into the jawbone for a durable period of 20 to 25 years.
Implants are non-removable, unlike dentures. They are surgically screwed into the jawbone for stability and natural feel. The root of the implant goes inside the bone, topped with an abutment. An abutment works as a connector between the root and the artificial tooth. The dentist then attaches a crown to the abutment which completes the surgery. The whole process of the dental implant takes several months to complete with success.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors
Senior citizens are more prone to tooth loss, damage, or even injury to the tooth. It may lead to missing teeth which deprives them of their self-confidence and proper chewing and speech. If the elderly consider dental implants, they can enjoy various benefits like:
Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance
Dental implants can drastically enhance a person’s aesthetic appearance. When senior citizens lose their teeth due to old age, injury, or diseases, their facial features change, and their aesthetic appearance declines. This deprives them of their confidence in appearing publicly.
However, dental implants for people over 65 can restore their beautiful smiles. They can rebuild their selves and look smart and young forever. Dental implants provide natural-looking teeth replacements with the same size, colour, and shape which increases patients’ self-confidence.
Better Diet and Nutrition
The elderly with missing teeth miss out on a lot of food. With the missing teeth, they find it difficult to normally eat and chew hard, chewy, and crunchy foods. Most of these foods are rich in fibre, protein, nutrients, and energy.
With dental implants, seniors can enjoy all kinds of foods they like. They can chew hard, crunchy, chewy foods easily. Not only can they enjoy all the tastes in the world but it also has a great impact on their overall health. Dental implants enhance the functionality of teeth by letting seniors eat normally.
It helps them have a balanced diet. Properly chewed food enhances their digestion and metabolism. Thus, this cosmetic implant procedure for teeth impacts the well-being of the individuals.
Improved Speech
Missing teeth, hollow jaws, and fumbled words. These are closely linked to each other. When people get older age, they tend to lose their teeth. As a result, their speech is affected seriously. The articulation of words distort and they lose their confidence in speaking in front of the public. This can also happen if they have poorly fitted dentures.
But, dental implants for seniors can restore their perfect speaking abilities. With implants, individuals can properly speak and articulate their words clearly. This will enhance their confidence in their personal and professional life.
Durable Solution
At an older age in life, it is not easy to have regular visits to dentists. Missing teeth is a long-term problem which requires a long-term solution. To prevent, frequent visits to the dental clinic, dental implants for seniors work effectively. Implants are made of durable material which lasts for almost a lifetime for seniors. They are meant to last for 20 to 25 years with proper care.
With proper care, seniors can enjoy improved aesthetics and functionality. Implants provide stability for a long time period. Thus, a permanent solution for missing teeth that surpasses all other solutions like dentures or bridges.
Improved Oral Health
Dental implants maximize oral health for individuals. Older people tend to lose their teeth due to age or certain diseases. The gums lose teeth and they are prone to fall off. To prevent teeth from loosening, implants provide stability to the adjacent teeth. Thus, implants help in improving the overall health of the mouth.
Prevent Bone Loss
Periodontitis is a medical condition in older age. When senior citizens lose their teeth, the jawbone starts to get damaged and break. The roots of the teeth keep the jawbone intact and prevent bone loss. But, when they experience missing teeth, their jawbone is vulnerable to damage.
Dental implants for seniors help in preventing bone loss. The implant roots are surgically screwed into the jawbone which acts like the natural root of the teeth. Due to this, the jawbone remains strong and the likeliness of bone damage diminishes.
Challenges of Dental Implants for Senior Citizens
Every surgical procedure comes with its challenges. Though the success rate is higher, there are a few challenges for seniors that can be avoided with proper care and specialised dentists. Here are some challenges of dental implants for senior citizens:
A Lengthy Process
Dental Implants are a lengthy process as they require various stages of secure completion. The normal surgery takes around 4 to 6 months to properly adjust with the jawbone. Thus, it may not be suitable for senior citizens who require a speedy solution. Moreover, it can also be frustrating for them to frequently visit the dentist for the procedures.
Risk of Infection
As it is a surgical procedure, the complications of dental implants include the risk of infection. Due to bacterial growth in the oral cavity, the gums may become infected and hinder the healing process. Moreover, the risk of periodontitis also increases the risk of damage and infection. Therefore, it is a little bit more challenging to have dental implants for senior citizens.
Additional Processes
Unlike younger ones, elders have to go through various additional procedures. Due to older age, they may have damaged jawbone. Therefore, a bone grafting procedure is necessary to strengthen the bone to hold the pressure and make the implant stable. However, sinuses can also affect the implant surgery for seniors. They have to undergo sinus lift surgery, in case of upper jaw teeth implant. If the sinuses are close to the jawbone, there must be an additional process of a sinus lift. These additional procedures lengthen the time taken in the successful implant as well as an added cost.
Delayed Healing
Due to their senior age, the candidates for dental implants have certain medical conditions. Medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, periodontitis, and other autoimmune diseases can delay the healing process. They can also cause infections and may lead to implant failure. Therefore, seniors have to take proper care and follow instructions while keeping their conditions controlled. Only with proper care, they can have a quick healing process. Otherwise, the implant is prone to failure.
Conclusion
Dental Implants for seniors have their own benefits and challenges. It leaves the candidates confused about whether to get an implant or choose an alternative method. So, the verdict is dental implants are safe and effective. They can stay durable for a lifetime for senior citizens while restoring natural look and functionality. Meanwhile, there are some challenges like the risk of infections, delayed healing, lengthy process, etc. But, these challenges are worth the risk to enjoy a perfect look, smile, speech, and ability to enjoy all the tastes in life.
So, we await you at Teeth and Smile Dental Clinic at Gulberg 3, Lahore to offer our trusted dental implant treatment. Book your appointment as your perfect smile awaits at our doorstep.
FAQs
Should a 70 year old get implants?
Dental implants are durable for up to 25 years and have a 95% and above success rate, even for the elders. Individuals of any age can enjoy healthy oral health with dental implants and get numerous benefits related to this surgical procedure.
What is the oldest age to get dental implants?
There is no upper limit to getting dental implants. Whether you are young or old, you can get an implant procedure for a stable and durable missing teeth replacement.
Who cannot have dental implants?
If you are a smoker or drinker, have autoimmune disease, uncontrolled diabetes, gum disease, etc, you should not get dental implants. These situations may lead to implant failure.
Are dentures better than implants?
If you are looking for a cheap and removable missing teeth solution, you can go for dentures. However, the implants are much better in comparison. They are permanent missing teeth solutions and look and feel like natural teeth.
What is the best tooth replacement for seniors?
Dental Implants for seniors are the best tooth replacement. These are effective, long-term, low-maintenance, and safe solutions for people of all ages. They function and look exactly like natural teeth.
