Can older patients (over 65, 70, 80) benefit from dental implants?
Loss of teeth is common to older people that can impact their quality of life. It also affects their social interaction and facial structure. Removable dentures are the usual solution to missing teeth, but they have some disadvantages. Some of these are speech imperfections, not being able to eat every food that you want, slipping off from your mouth, storage, and more.
These disadvantages led patients to seek the modern method, known as dental implants. Implants are the best option to replace lost teeth because they are sturdier and more stable. These restorations take the place of your natural teeth, making you feel that you didn’t lose any of your teeth. They can be full or partial implants and offer no serious limitations.
Conditions of getting permanent dental implants for patients over 65 or 70, 80
Permanent dental implants, whether full or partial, are the best option to replace missing teeth. When you visit Creative Smiles Dental Office, you will be subjected to a comprehensive medical and dental check-up to determine if an implant is good for you. A complete medical and dental exam helps to determine if you have a strong or adequate jaw bone to support the implant, particularly when exerting effort like chewing food.
Bone grafting is recommended if there the jaw bone is insufficient. This procedure is an added cost to the complete procedure. However, bone grafting allows anyone with poor jaw bone density to have an implant. This goes to patients over 65, 70 or 80 to enjoy life. Bone grafting prior to the implant gives the healthy seniors to have a new complete set of teeth that can improve their quality of life. Compared to the younger patients, the recovery period is somewhat slower.
Read tips to choose the dental implant expert.
Permanent restorations are good for anyone, except for those who have the following issues:
- Uncontrolled diabetes, chronic diseases, and other illnesses that affect the body’s immune system
- Inadequate or poor jaw bone structure which is required to support the implant
The patient must have a strong immune system, as a dental implant procedure involves surgery. A poor immune system can delay the recovery.
Learn more about dental implants.
Published on July 5, 2018, Updated on June 29, 2021