As you get older, it is quite common to think whether dental implants are a good choice for you or not. You might wonder if it is safe and will work well for people of your age as implants do for younger folks.
Well, the good news is that dental implants work pretty well for older individuals making a positive difference in their oral health also boosting their confidence. So, no matter your age, dental implants can be a great option for you.
After all, you are never too old to get a new sparkling smile.
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So, What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern and advanced technique that replaces your missing teeth and helps you get rid of those sticky adhesives and overnight soaking routines. It is like a tiny metal rod made of titanium which is put into your jawbone through surgery and acts like your tooth’s root.
After which, a fake tooth, called a dental crown, is connected to the implant which makes it look like your natural set of teeth and stays in place permanently. Not only do these implants fill the gap to give you a confident smile, but they also encourage the growth of bone in your jaw, which can help promote your oral hygiene.
Dental implants are the strongest, safest, and most reliable dental procedures. That is why more and more older adults are going for implants to bring back their smiles and eat comfortably again.
Can I Get a Dental Implant If I am Over the Age of 65 Years?
Definitely! You just need to talk to your dentist once.
Dental implants are a great choice for replacing teeth permanently, whether it’s one tooth, multiple teeth, or a full mouth. However, before getting implants, it is important to get a thorough examination to check if you’re a suitable candidate.
Criteria may include—
- Your jawbone needs to be strong enough so that it can hold the implant firmly when you’re eating.
- If you have diabetes or other diseases affecting your immunity, it’s important to get it checked before planning to get implants done.
- Choose a skilled professional who knows how to work with older patients for the procedure. Anoka Dental can be a great choice when planning to get your implants.
- Getting an implant involves surgery, and if your immune system is not very strong, it might take longer to recover.
What to Expect During Dental Implants for Seniors?
Getting dental implants is a great option for seniors. However, every patient needs to pass a set of tests to see if they can go through the procedure of getting it done.
The process usually involves the following steps—
- Consultation: A skilled dental professional will check your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss whether or not you are eligible to get implants done.
- Placing the Implants: In the next visit, the dentist will then place the implant into your jaw where you are missing a tooth. Seniors usually do not experience much discomfort and can easily go back to their regular activities the next day.
- Osseointegration: In the third and final step, the dental implant and jawbone start to grow together known as osseointegration. This step helps the implant and jawbone to create a strong and long-lasting foundation for the replacement teeth.
After you get dental implant surgery, here’s what you might go through–
- Some minor bleeding.
- Swelling of your gums and face.
- Feeling some pain where the implant is placed.
- Bruising on your skin and gums.
Benefits of Getting Dental Implants for Seniors
As we get older, our teeth may become loose or fall out, causing issues with how we look, eat, and talk. For seniors looking to increase their quality of life, dental implants are a fantastic choice to go for.
There are plenty of advantages that come with dental implants for older individuals and the following are a few of them—
- Dental implants help seniors eat and speak comfortably.
- Taking care of implants is simple as there is no need for messy glues and overnight soaking.
- You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about slipping your teeth.
- Dental implants make seniors feel happier and more comfortable with a natural look.
- They prevent the jawbone from shrinking, keeping your face’s natural shape intact.
- Implants are strong and last longer than other dentistry options.
- Getting implants isn’t that painful.
What’s Better, Getting Traditional Dentures or Dental Implants for Seniors?
While dentures can replace missing teeth, they come with several disadvantages. They might feel uncomfortable, need a lot of care, and become costly over time. Also, dentures tend to wear out quickly, therefore you might need frequent appointments for adjustments.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are a permanent solution to your missing teeth that feel and act like your natural ones. It is also easy to take care of them just the way you do for your natural teeth. Also, implants are much stronger than dentures allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods, keeping your diet more balanced and your body healthier as you grow older.
At first, implants may seem more expensive than traditional dentures. But when you think about the extra time and money required to maintain dentures, along with the costs of replacements and repairs, implants become a more valuable and cost-effective investment in the long run.
Tips to Take Care of Your Dental Implants
Most of the time, dental implants work well for seniors. But sometimes, the bone doesn’t stick to the implant. If that happens, the implant is taken out, and you can try again after about three months.
To make sure your implants stay in a good condition, you should—
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Visit your dentist for routine check-ups and get your teeth professionally cleaned.
- Avoid habits that can harm your implants, like chewing on hard things or consuming tobacco.
Planning to Get Dental Implants Done? Visit Anoka Dental Today!!
Dental implants can be a great and long-lasting solution for seniors looking to enhance their quality of life and feel good while eating, talking, and smiling. With technology advancements, many older individuals are now enjoying the numerous benefits that come along with these implants.
At Anoka Dental, we craft treatment plans while keeping your requirements and financial considerations in mind. We, not only help restore your smile but also positively impact your self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.
To start your journey towards a completely new smile, contact us now at (763) 421-4002 or fill out our appointment request form.
Dental implants at Anoka Dental can give you back your smile and help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle well into your golden years.
