As we age, many of us become concerned about our dental health. Tooth loss and decay are common issues experienced by seniors, and traditional dentures may not be the most comfortable or aesthetically pleasing solution.
Fortunately, there is another option: dental implants. Dental implants can provide pensioners with a lasting solution to missing teeth that offer improved comfort and function as well as natural-looking results for a beautiful smile.
In this post, we will cover the benefits of dental implants for pensioners so you can make an informed decision about best protecting your oral health when it matters most. Among other restorative dental services, a dental implant procedure may be the best one for you. Click this link.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone. They act as an anchor for replacement teeth, providing a strong foundation for your new smile.The titanium post naturally fuses with your jawbone over time, creating a stable base for your new tooth or bridge.
Benefits of dental implants for pensioners
Dental implants last longer than other alternatives
One major benefit of dental implants is that they last longer than alternatives, such as dentures or bridges. Dentures need to be replaced every five years, whereas dental implants can last up to ten years with proper care and maintenance.
Additionally, unlike bridges, which rely on other teeth for support, dental implants are placed directly in the jawbone, which makes them much more secure and stable.
Implants improve oral health
Another advantage of dental implants is that they can improve oral health by providing added stability to surrounding teeth. This helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as makes it easier to eat certain foods that might otherwise be difficult with dentures or bridges. In addition, since they are securely fixed in place, there’s no need to worry about dental implants slipping out while eating or talking—which can often be an issue with traditional dentures.
Implants help reduce bone loss
Lastly, getting dental implants can also help reduce bone loss caused by missing teeth since they stimulate new bone growth in the jawbone. This helps maintain the structure of your face and preserve your natural facial features, so you don’t have to worry about your face looking sunken or gaunt due to missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
The factors affecting the cost of implants
If you’re considering getting dental implants, there’s no doubt that you’ve thought about the dental implants’ cost. The price of dental implants can vary depending on a number of factors. To help you better understand how this cost is determined, let’s take a look at six factors that affect the cost of dental implants.
1. The number of implants needed
The more implants you need, the higher the cost will be. Depending on your specific case, it might be necessary to get multiple implants in order to adequately support your new teeth or bridge. This means that if more than one implant is needed, each subsequent implant will add to the total cost.
2. Type of implant used
The type of implant used can also affect the cost. Dental implants come in different sizes and materials, such as titanium and zirconia. Titanium is a popular choice because it’s strong and durable, but zirconia may be preferred for aesthetic reasons because it has a natural white colour that looks like real teeth when used with porcelain crowns or bridges.
Different types also require different surgical procedures, which can influence how much you pay for your procedure overall.
3. Tooth extraction
If you need any teeth extracted before getting an implant placed in their place, this will add to the cost of the procedure as well since extracting teeth requires additional time and resources from your dentist or oral surgeon.
4. Preparatory work before the dental implant placement
In some cases, preparatory work may be necessary before placing an implant post into your jawbone. For example, some patients may need bone grafting or sinus lifts prior to receiving an implant post if they have insufficient jawbone density or height in their upper jaw area respectively. These procedures are often performed by an oral surgeon and are considered separate from the actual implant placement procedure, so they must be factored into your final bill separately.
5. Materials used in the dental implant treatment
Once an implant post has been placed in your jawbone, it must be restored with either a crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration method chosen by your dentist or oral surgeon for replacing the missing tooth could also factor into how much you pay for your overall treatment plan. For example, porcelain crowns are more expensive than metal crowns due to their superior strength and aesthetics. Additionally, bridges usually require two implants, whereas dentures only need one, which could also affect overall costs.
6. Location of the dental treatment
Lastly, where you live can also impact how much you pay for dental implants. Prices vary from city to city —and even from state to state—so keep this in mind when comparing prices between different providers.
How to take care of dental implants?
While a dental implant treatment can be a great solution for elderly patients, they do require special maintenance and care. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about taking care of your dental implants if you’re an elderly patient.
Daily oral hygiene habits
It’s important for all patients, but especially those who are elderly, to practise good oral hygiene habits every day. This includes brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and flossing gently around the implant site.
If possible, use an electric toothbrush to make sure plaque is being removed adequately from all areas of the mouth.
Additionally, it’s important to use antibacterial mouthwash daily to reduce the risk of infection or decay around the implant site.
Regularly scheduled appointments
If you have dental implants as an elderly patient, it’s important that you visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. During these appointments, the dentist will ensure that everything is functioning properly with your implant and that no complications have arisen since your last visit.
Dietary considerations
Another important factor in taking care of your dental implants as an elderly patient is being mindful of what foods you are consuming on a regular basis.
Try to avoid hard or chewy foods, such as candy bars or caramel apples, that could put extra pressure on your implant sites and cause them to become loose or damaged over time.
Get affordable and high-quality dental implants at My Local Dentists
My Local Dentists is committed to helping each patient get the most out of their dental implant experience. We pride ourselves on providing top-quality service, from consultations to aftercare treatments. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
A Critical Review of Dental Implant Materials with an Emphasis on Titanium versus Zirconia
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5455450/
Dental Implants
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants
Everything to Know About a Dental Implant Procedure
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-implant-procedure