Dental Implants for Seniors
It is not as easy to keep your body and mouth healthy as you age; you may need to make more effort to eat healthy and stay active to feel good. Maintaining good oral hygiene is an important part of proper self-care to ensure that you feel as healthy and as strong as possible. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings may not be enough to prevent tooth loss. When you are looking to replace missing teeth at any age, dentures and bridges are not the only options; you can talk to the dentist about dental implants as well.
Why Dental Implants for Seniors?
Dental implant surgery is an option for seniors to live comfortably with replacement teeth that work like their natural teeth. Unlike dentures, dental implants improve your appearance as they remain in your mouth and continue to support your cheeks and lips. For people who have struggled with missing teeth or with dentures, dental implants can drastically improve their quality of life. Those same people usually wish that they would have acted on dental implants sooner and not waited so long.
When you are missing one or more teeth that you are looking to replace with dental implants, you can make an appointment with the dentist to talk about the best treatment plan for you. The dentist can recommend the best material for your implant and the ideal location for the implant to give you the natural look you are trying to achieve. From there, the dentist can help you know about the costs associated with your specific implants and what the next steps are.
The top five advantage for seniors who opt for dental implants over any other tooth replacement option are:
1. Improved Aesthetics
When it comes to taking photos with family and friends to commemorate holidays and special moments, you will not have to worry about hiding your smile or avoiding photos all together. No more missing teeth and a bright smile to show how happy you are to be with them.
2. Improved Eating
Unlike dentures, dental implants remain in place securely with the strength of a natural tooth. You will be able to eat the foods you love and the foods you have been avoiding because they were too difficult with missing teeth. You will be able to chew more thoroughly without irritation so bring on the fresh fruits and vegetables. With the increased fresh food options, you may notice improved overall health and digestion.
3. Feeling Better
With the better health from fresh foods and the confidence that comes with a complete smile, you will start to feel better about yourself. You may notice that your day-to-day life is more enjoyable with less complications and pain.
4. Simple Care
Dentures need to be removed every night and cleaned separately from your mouth. Dental implants remain in place and can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth.
5. Cost Savings
Dentures will need to be replaced as your jaw changes shape and they may need to be repaired from misuse. Dental implants require a one-time investment to offer you a permanent tooth replacement. Overtime, paying for one dental implant instead of multiple sets of dentures is more cost effective.