Our bodies change considerably when we age. Some of these changes can include the state of our teeth (damaged, missing, or hurting). However, most of these issues can be resolved by consulting a dentist and receiving professional treatment. Dental implants for seniors are one treatment that can provide many benefits, from improving one’s oral health to boosting self-confidence with a brighter smile. This article explores eight advantages of dental implants for seniors.

How does a dental implant work?
A dental implant involves replacing a missing tooth or teeth in the mouth. An implant (replacement tooth root) is surgically inserted using a titanium post into the jawbone. This implant acts as a strong foundation for the new artificial tooth. The titanium fuses with the existing bone while creating a secure base, and this process may take a few weeks before abutment fixing.

Then, the dentist will securely attach an abutment (a metal piece that connects the implant and the new tooth). Upon this abutment sits the custom-made crown (artificial tooth) to the implant, completing the procedure.

Thus, patients can enjoy a permanent and durable teeth replacement that looks and functions just like a natural tooth through a dental implant process. If seniors have lost their teeth due to decay, as a side effect of other conditions, or merely due to age, the procedure can help restore their confidence and make several things easier for them.

Benefits of dental implants for seniors
A dental implant surgery helps seniors regain their ability to consume food without uneasiness, as the top benefit. The following is a list of benefits associated with dental implants for seniors.

Enhance the bone structure and facial profile
A senior citizen may experience skin sagging or shrinking. One of the main reasons for a sagging face is teeth loss since it causes the jawbone to shrink.

A dental implant can restore your jawbone’s strength and improve your facial appearance. After the treatment, you’ll have healthier-looking bones and enhanced facial features due to a full set of teeth.

  Improved speech and confidence
Teeth loss or removable dentures may impact an individual’s speech or ability to communicate clearly. Implants can make seniors converse more confidently by helping prevent slurring or speech difficulties. They facilitate better speech by fixing an immovable artificial tooth in place.

Long-term investment
Dental implants are a lifetime investment for seniors because they have a 90-95% success rate. The implant surgery is an ideal alternative for seniors with missing teeth and the inability to chew or bite food properly. Dental implants are also cost-effective because they prevent future dental issues (which may cost you time, effort, and money).

They are an investment worth considering if you want longevity and a feel of natural teeth. Implants appear and feel the same as regular teeth and can last long, making them a valuable financial decision in the long term.

Easy maintenance
Dental implants (permanent fixtures) in your mouth require extra care, such as diligent brushing and flossing. However, the benefits of dental implants far outweigh any extra effort spent on them. Additionally, taking care of implants is less troublesome than caring for dentures.

You may find maintaining dentures difficult because they require regular cleaning. You must take out the dentures at night, soak them, clean the gums, and look for sore spots before wearing them again. However, dental implants do not require such complicated maintenance.

Maintain adjacent teeth in place
Losing a tooth can have far-reaching effects, including shifting adjacent teeth into the newly created gap. This can disrupt an individual’s ability to bite and chew properly and alter their facial structure. Furthermore, it may even create lasting stress on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The pressure worsens body pain and headaches in the elderly who already suffer from them due to age-related wear and tear.

A dental implant helps keep adjacent teeth in place with the help of the titanium root’s stronghold.

Adaptability and customization
A dental implant is not one-size-fits-all. Your dentist will create a customized crown (or teeth) of the most appropriate size for your jawbone. The implant is made to replicate your missing tooth, which makes this process highly effective. Additionally, unlike dentures, implants cannot be detected easily in an open or closed mouth.

Prevents jaw loss
When you are missing a tooth, your jaw has to exert excessive force for everyday actions like biting, chewing, and speaking. This leads to gum and jawbone deterioration and, ultimately, jaw loss. Undergoing a dental implant affixes a permanent tooth replacement in place of your missing tooth, bringing the normal teeth structure back and preventing jaw loss.

Improved nutrition and meals
Seniors with dentures may have to restrict their food intake, consume only soft food items, or cut foods into very small bites before eating to put less pressure on the weak jaw. However, with dental implants, you do not have to follow such restrictions.

Additionally, your body’s nutrition may improve after getting dental implants. Your dentist may prescribe a meal plan post-surgery to keep you healthy and help you heal quickly. If you consumed unhealthy foods before the surgery, this plan might help you keep a check on your health.

Are dental implants safe for seniors?
Is there a minimum age for receiving dental implants? No. Will implants be as effective for seniors as they would for somebody younger? Yes.

The implants work just as effectively in the elderly, including those with reduced bone density. 

However, older patients heal from the surgery at a slightly slower rate than younger people. Elderly patients recover from the implants in about four months. That said, you must remember that all patients, regardless of age, may feel discomfort for 3-5 days after the implants are installed. The best solution is to take modest pain relievers to eliminate the discomfort.

In conclusion
All in all, dental implants are a great option for the elderly to replace missing teeth. They look and feel just like real teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable. Additionally, they provide superior stability compared to other tooth replacements, such as dentures and bridges. Dental implants can help improve oral health, improve the ability to speak and chew properly, make the appearance of a smile more natural-looking, and enhance self-confidence!

For these reasons, it’s no wonder why so many elderly people choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth. However, you must always consult your dentist regarding any queries about the procedure before opting for it.