Missing tooth is a common problem affecting many people as they age. Losing teeth can have a significant impact on your quality of life. But the good news is that many tooth replacement treatments are available today to fix your missing teeth issue permanently.
Dental implants are one of the best solutions for replacing your missing teeth. They are made to resemble the structure of your natural teeth and offer advantages that no other teeth replacement treatment can offer. Moreover, dental implants are an excellent option for adults of all ages, including the elderly. Want to know how beneficial dental implants are for senior citizens? Here are the top ten reasons that make dental implants the best teeth replacement option for elderly patients.
- Restore bite force
Dental implants fix your missing teeth problem and restore your biting ability. Implants are attached to your jaw using a titanium post that offers excellent stability to the structure. This makes it easy for the patient to chew or bite hard foods without experiencing any discomfort or pain. The bite force restored with dental implants is similar to that of your natural teeth.
- Prevent bone loss from the jaw
You may expect to lose some bone mass from your jaw as you age and begin to lose teeth. This is mainly because your teeth stimulate your jawbone and help maintain its mass. Since dental implants are rooted in your jaws, it serves as a tooth replacement option that substitutes that jawbone stimulation. This is something unique to the treatment of dental implants and isn’t possible with any other teeth replacement option.
- Improves look
Missing teeth may diminish your confidence to smile in public or when getting photographs clicked with your family. Dental implants are available in different shades, shapes and sizes, making it easy for your dentist to design implants that match your natural teeth.
- Keep the shape of your face
It is often easy to say if a person has missing teeth by looking at their face. This is mainly because your teeth play a significant role in helping you maintain your facial structure. Losing teeth makes you lose some support, which is why you may experience a change in your facial structure. Since dental implants take the place of your natural teeth, they restore the lost support for your face, thus helping retain the shape of your face.
- Are free from cavities
Dental implants resemble your natural teeth but cannot decay like them. Implants are made of materials that cannot decay, so you don’t have to worry about them being decayed. However, this shouldn’t stop you from brushing your teeth regularly as implants are decay resistant; they can experience bacteria build-up that may lead to infections in your mouth.
- Allow you to speak comfortably.
Missing teeth may make it difficult for you to pronounce a few words. If you choose dentures to replace your missing teeth, you may expect them to get in your way of speaking. However, this isn’t the case with dental implants. They are designed to feel and function like your teeth, thus making it easy for you to speak naturally.
- Are easy to maintain
If you have ever known someone with dentures, you will probably know how tedious its cleaning is. You require products like adhesive and a special flosser to clean and maintain them. However, cleaning and maintaining dental implants is relatively more uncomplicated. You need regular brushing and flossing to keep them clean, bacteria-free, and good-looking.
- Offer a custom fit
People with dentures are very cautious when talking or eating as these dental instruments may shift or slip out. However, this isn’t the case with dental implants. They never embarrass you as they are rooted in place to offer a custom and comfortable fit.
9. Support adjacent teeth
When you have a missing tooth, there are chances of your other teeth shifting and moving. When dental implants replace missing teeth, they support the surrounding teeth, thus helping you maintain an even smile.
- Provide A permanent solution
Any tooth replacement solution other than dental implants is more prone to wear and tear. They need repair and replacement often along with maintenance. Dental implants are almost a permanent solution to your missing teeth, regardless of age.
Dental implants are a comfortable way for seniors to regain their chewing capabilities and achieve a beautiful smile. No matter your age, you can always get dental implants done to fix your missing teeth issue. The healing procedure and the rate at which the healing happens are almost the same for aged and young patients. Young patients may take about 3 months to heal, whereas seniors may take about 4 months. However, most patients experience discomfort for about 3 to 5 days, regardless of age.
If you want to get dental implants done, get them sooner than later to gain maximum benefit from them. Call us on (03) 9133 8657 or drop an email at [email protected] to schedule an appointment with us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you be too old for dental implants?
Dental implants are a missing teeth replacement solution ideal for people of all ages above 18 years. No matter your age, you cannot be too old for dental implants as they are effective and long-lasting in people of all ages. Dental implants may change the lives of older people for the better by giving them improved appearance, more confidence, better ability to chew and speak freely. Since losing teeth is a common part of ageing, you must not hesitate to receive dental implants at an older age.
Who is not suitable for dental implants?
Dental implants are the best solution for people of all ages. However, they may not be the proper treatment for patients with certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, cancer, or issues with the immune system. If you suffer from any of above mentioned health problems, it is best to speak to your dentist, who can suggest the best alternative treatment to dental implants to help you achieve a beautiful smile while avoiding any complications.
Are implants worth the money?
Yes. Though implants are an expensive way to restore your missing teeth, they are worth every penny you pay. Implants are a strong and permanent foundation for artificial teeth that look like your natural teeth. By paying a high amount for dental implants, you get many benefits like permanent natural-looking teeth, confidence to smile freely, chewing capabilities just like your natural teeth, and more. When you compare the number of advantages, dental implants offer, you will realise they are worth the time, money and effort.
