Best Implant Solutions
Feel Younger and Smile More! Dental implants are a fantastic option for seniors to enhance their smile and improve functionality. If you're looking to boost your confidence or enjoy meals more comfortably, dental implants can make a significant difference.
There are many dental solutions for seniors, but what are dental implants? Let's take a closer look at what dental implants are and how they can benefit you.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made of titanium, that are surgically implanted into the jawbone. These implants serve as a sturdy foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth designed to match natural teeth. They are surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person's ability to chew or improve their appearance.
The surgery itself is relatively simple, and patients shouldn’t expect to feel any pain whatsoever during it. However, adjusting to the new dental implants can have some discomfort involved that should disappear after a short adjustment period.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Studies show that dental implants have a 90 to 95 percent success rate of longevity over 10 years, and in some cases, can even last up to 30 years. It’s possible that over the years, a few teeth here and there might need to be fixed or replaced, but the overall structural integrity of your dental implants should be nearly permanent. Factors that play the biggest hand in the longevity of your dental implants include:
- Care and maintenance.
- Bone health.
- Smoking.
- Teeth grinding.
- Medical conditions.
- Medications or treatment.
Financial Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants varies depending on where in the country you are, what the extent of your need is if it’s covered by insurance, etc. However, according to the Dental Implant Cost Guide readers, the cost of a single tooth implant ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, plus an average cost of $500 to $,3000 for the abutment and crown, for a total cost of $4,000.
Why are Dental Implants Good for Seniors?
Did you know that in the United States, the average adult between the ages of 45 and 64 is missing five teeth? And that among people age 65 and older, 18% have lost all their natural teeth? Dental implants are amazing options for all people, but particularly for senior citizens.
Dental implants can be great for seniors because they don’t have to worry about anything falling or slipping out, as dentures notoriously can do. In addition, dental implants are quite low maintenance, generally only requiring regular brushing and flossing.
Added Benefits of Dentures
Durability
If you want to improve your teeth, you want something you don’t have to worry about. Dental implants are made of titanium and are therefore strong and reliable and will stay in place. Dental implants will also improve your bite force due to their high quality.
Bone Loss Prevention
Dental implants can help prevent the boss loss that can occur after you lose a tooth. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone is no longer stressed in that part of your mouth. Over time, your body breaks down and reabsorbs some of the bone tissue. Studies show that dental implants can lead to a lower rate of bone resorption.
Natural Look and Feel
Remember how your teeth used to look and feel when you were younger? Dental implants will feel just like that! They’ll look, feel, and behave just as well as you remember your natural teeth did. Plus, they’ll look so real that people probably won’t even believe that they’re dental implants.
Stability
When you’re missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth can migrate toward the gap, which can lead to problems with your bite and ability to chew. But with an implant, the gap can be filled which will keep your surrounding teeth healthy and in place.
Overall Face Appearance
Having dental implants doesn’t only mean your teeth’s appearance will improve; in fact, believe it or not, the appearance of your entire face will improve. Jawbone loss after losing a tooth can reshape your entire face, leading to sagging skin, collapsed cheeks, an overall sunken appearance and a misaligned bite.
Read on to learn about teeth grinding and what you can do to help.