Dental Implants for Seniors
Are you an aging adult struggling with tooth loss? You should consider dental implant treatment. Dental implants are an easy and reliable way for seniors to restore the function of their natural teeth. Implants can also help to improve the appearance of the smile and overall quality of life. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to know more about dental implants, here is more information for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small metal post that is securely inserted into the jawbone through a surgical procedure performed by a prosthodontist or periodontist. Once the implants have fused with the jawbone, a connector is attached to the top of the post and an artificial crown can be placed on top. To help reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure, it is common for a local or general anesthesia to be used during the surgery.
Dental implants act like the root of a natural tooth, offering stability, security, as well as helping to maintain the shape of the mouth and jaw.
Top 5 Advantages of Dental Implants for Seniors
Dental implants offer many benefits to seniors who are looking to replace a missing tooth. All of these benefits should be considered in the process of deciding on the best tooth replacement option for you. Some of the top advantages include:
- Improved Eating Function: A dental implant can fully restore the function of biting and chewing that may be lost when teeth are missing. With an implant you can return to eating foods that once caused pain and irritation. You can even eat fruits and vegetables that you haven’t eaten for you years and once enjoyed. The ability to once again eat fruits and vegetables can also mean you will experience nutritional benefits leading to an overall improvement in health and energy levels. Additionally, the ability to chew properly will aid in the digestive process offering an additional health benefit.
- Improved Appearance: Dental implants can also restore the appearance of the smile, minimizing the worry or embarrassment that can be caused by missing teeth. You may have not realized how much the worry over the appearance of your smile has impacted you. Having a smile you are proud of will have many added benefits.
- Improved Quality of Life: You will notice that being more confident in your appearance, will make you feel better about yourself. Being able to chew properly, enjoy the foods you love, and smile fully, will enhance your overall quality of life.
- Saving Money: Dental implants require a one-time investment into a permanent dental solution. Up front, this investment may seem costly.
- However, it is important to remember that dentures can break and require regular maintenance over time. Thus, over time, dental implants can help you save money.
- Easier to Care for Than Dentures: Dentures are affordable and quick, but they also require extra care. Dentures slip, cause rubbing and irritation, and become stained easily. Dental implants are fixed in place, permanently minimizing slipping and irritation. Additionally, implants can be cared for through brushing and flossing just like natural teeth.