Dental Implants for Seniors
As people age, it is important to stay healthy. Diets and exercise play an important role in overall health. And taking care of our oral health is important, too. This usually consists of daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Unfortunately, some people lose some teeth over time. But, especially for seniors, there has never been a better time for high quality teeth replacement.
Dental implant treatments can be a streamline, and comforting way for restoration not only of chewing capabilities, but also the natural look, feel and functionality of their mouths. And dental implants can improve not only appearance, but also the quality of life as a senior.
One thing dentists often report hearing from senior patients is the sentiment of wishing they had gotten implants earlier in life.
More about Dental Implants
Surgery is needed for dental implants as a rule, and is a treatment conducted by a periodontist or a prosthodontist . In a dental implant treatment miniature metal rods are attached to the jawbone. After the bone fuses with the rods, a small connector piece is added and a prosthetic crown, which looks like a natural tooth is placed over top.
During this procedure, either local or general anesthesia is administered during. During recovery over-the-counter pain meds can be taken to help ease any lingering pain or discomfort.
Advantages for Seniors of Dental Implants
For seniors considering dental implants there are some important advantages to be aware of:
Improved Bite Function and Eating Capabilities
With dental implant treatments, often chewing and biting function can be fully restored for seniors, allowing them to enjoy favorite foods again. Nutrition will naturally increase, as well, from being able to eat more variety and kinds of food again. Energy levels improve, as well as overall health. Better chewing capability can really enhance digestion, too which can be helpful in various ways. When people are able to chew well, and enjoy favorite foods, they feel healthier.
Improved Appearance
Feeling good about your appearance can be an important part of maintaining confidence and a positive self image, which can impact many aspects of health; especially mental health, which is very important for everyone, including seniors. Dental implants can make people feel comfortable smiling fully again.
Cost Effective
Conventional dentures are known to require some maintenance and can also break and/or wear down over time. Dental implants do require an up-front investment, but they offer a solution that is permanent. Over time this can prove to be cost effective.
Easier Care
Because dental implants are fixed, meaning they do not move in your mouth, people can care for them exactly as they care for their own teeth. Brush and floss at least twice a day and have routine cleanings and checkups. Since dentures are not fixed, they do often slip, and are easily stained - and they also have to be taken out for cleaning daily. Dental implants are also known to be considerable more comfortable than dentures, which helps in the care process.
If you are a senior considering dental implants, consult with your dentist soon.