As you grow older, it is natural to worry about your 401(k), your health, and your missing teeth. TLN Family Dental Implants, unlike retirement plans, are a guaranteed solution for replacing missing teeth. When it comes to tooth replacement as a senior, the question of whether you are a good candidate for dental implants is always present. You may ask, “Are dental implants safe for the elderly?”
Dental Implants are Safe for the Elderly
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Teeth prosthetics are still as effective for seniors as for young adults. However, not every senior citizen is eligible for dental implants as health conditions vary from person to person. Dentists examine the jawbone structure to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.
Considerations for Dental Implants for Seniors
While dental implants are certainly a superior solution to tooth replacement than dentures, they come with more considerations. As you age, health concerns and other contraindications need to be addressed before you receive dental implants. For elderly people, an exhaustive examination is essential to gauge their suitability. Here are some considerations to keep in mind during your dental examination.
Jaw bone recession
You may hear, “You do not have enough jawbone mass for an implant.” As aging creeps in, your body’s ability to form new bones declines. Bone resorption also becomes more pronounced. In women, declining estrogen levels increase bone resorption.
Advances in medical dentistry, however, have made it possible to receive dental implants. The dentist will recommend a bone graft to increase jawbone mass. A cone beam computed simulation will determine if the jawbone has sufficient mass to hold the titanium anchor of the implant.
Chronic diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes reduces your body’s immunity and consequently your ability to recover after a dental implant procedure. It may be wise to control diabetes alongside other systemic conditions before seeking dental implants.
Type 2 diabetes in particular, affects the success rates of dental implants. Other cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension also disqualify a senior citizen as a dental implant candidate.
A comprehensive exam is essential to examine the underlying conditions before fixing implants. If you are a good candidate, you can schedule an appointment with a dentist to determine the best teeth replacement solution for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors
Long gone are the days when you’d have to remove your dentures before bed and wear them in the morning. Dental implants are more convenient and easier to manage.
Natural looking
The major benefit of dental implants is that they are natural looking. The teeth prosthetics are made of medical-grade zirconia, which resembles your natural enamel color. You can smile your way through life with dental implants.
Bite force restoration
With dental implants, you can chew foods as usual without worrying about weakened bite force. Implants anchor into your jaw and hence act as natural teeth but with a stronger bite force.
No special cleaning routine
You don’t need a special cleaning solution to take care of your implants. You care for your dental implants the same way you do your natural teeth. Flossing and brushing your implants daily improves their longevity.
Better speech
Slurred speech is a problem seniors struggle with. When you have dental implants, you don’t have to worry about slurred speech since the prosthetics do not collide with your tongue.
Now that you know dental implants are safe for seniors, you can get them. There’s no need to have gaps in your mouth when you can have implants. An analysis of your overall health is paramount to determining if you are the perfect candidate for dental implants as a senior.
