As you age, it gets harder to keep your body healthy. It can be difficult to maintain good oral health despite your best efforts. Even with proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups, you may still lose a few teeth. The older you get, the quicker plaque builds up in the mouth, making you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth loss. When seniors lose their teeth, they have to turn to dental solutions to provide better support for a healthy mouth. With the improvements in the dental industry, dentures are no longer the only option.
A dental implant is an artificial root tooth made from metal surgically inserted into the jaw. These artificial roots look like screws. Once inserted, prosthetic teeth are connected by an abutment and replace any missing teeth. Dental implants are custom-made to match your natural teeth. They can replace a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.
Seniors are more susceptible to oral health problems, including root decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Dental implants can help to improve oral health, and there are many benefits to be had when seniors choose them over other dental options.
Comfort
The main benefit of dental implants is that they are more comfortable than dentures. With age, your face and gums change, which can cause dentures to become loose and uncomfortable. Implants are inserted directly into the jawbone and look, feel, and function just like your permanent teeth.
Durability
Another benefit that seniors enjoy from dental implants is durability, making implants less costly to maintain than other dental options. For example, dentures may break or require adjustments over time. However, due to the longevity of dental implants, they do not need to be replaced as frequently as dentures, nor do they require as much upkeep and maintenance—making them worth the investment in the long run. Implants can last as long as 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Improved confidence
Believe it or not, the appearance of your teeth can affect your confidence. When you have missing teeth, it may cause you to be less willing to smile or engage others in conversation. If you have a lot of missing teeth, it can also change the bone structure of your face. Teeth help to keep the jaw healthy by preventing bone loss. When there are fewer teeth anchored in the jaw, it causes your face to look shorter than it should or collapse inward, causing you to look older. Dental implants help to prevent bone loss by replacing missing teeth roots. Implants look and feel like natural teeth, which helps to increase your confidence in your appearance.
Improved health
Another benefit for seniors who opt for dental implants is improved health. With dentures, it can be hard to eat certain foods, which can cause your nutrient intake to be less. A study conducted at Tufts University showed that dentures lowered nutrient intake in older adults who wear them compared to those who have all their natural teeth. With dental implants, eating becomes easier, thus increasing nutrient intake. Implants also help to improve oral health by decreasing the load on remaining natural teeth and preventing them from shifting into empty spaces left by missing teeth.
Improved quality of life
Although improved confidence and aesthetics are important, improving the quality of your life is the ultimate goal when undertaking any medical procedure; implants can do just that. The freedom they give you will affect your life in many aspects, helping you to be more comfortable and fulfilled.
Before getting dental implants, your dentist will need to do a thorough examination, including x-rays and models of your mouth. After the examination, your dentist will review your medical history to ensure every precaution is taken for a successful procedure. Once your medical history has been discussed, your dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
If you are tired of seeing gaps in your smile or dealing with pain, it may be time to consider dental implants. A beautiful smile goes a long way in improving your confidence. At Fremaux Dental Care, we understand the importance of a beautiful, healthy smile. We employ trailblazing techniques and advanced technology to ensure every procedure is comfortable and effective for treating your issues. Our team possesses specialized skills and training, ensuring the best results for dental implant patients. Let us help you create the beautiful smile you dream of. Call us at (985)445-9656 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.