Dental Implants For Seniors

Dental implants are a great option for seniors to replace damaged or missing teeth. Here are some things seniors should know about seeking dental implant treatment. 

Dental Implants Are Simple to Use

Dental implants can be preferable to dentures if you only have one or a few teeth to replace. If you opt for non-removable dental implants, you won't have to worry about losing the teeth or taking them out to clean. Unlike dentures, dental implants are built to last, so you won't need to come back to the dentist to make sizing adjustments or to have them replaced. Dentures may need to be resized as your jaw changes shape, and you might need to replace the denture lining if it dries out. 

Dental Implants Feel Natural

Another benefit of dental implants as compared to other treatments is that they feel very natural. Even with dental bridges, you will need to get used to the feeling of the bridge appliance. With dentures, you may have an adjustment period where you learn to speak and eat with a new set of teeth. With dental implants, on the other hand, the new tooth sits directly in line with your natural teeth and often looks and feels like one of your other teeth. 

Dental Implants Are Self-Sufficient

Another benefit for senior dental implants is that the implant doesn't depend on any of your other teeth. Putting a bridge on weak teeth (such as teeth that are losing bone mass due to age) can be a bad move.

There are Some Considerations Before You Get Dental Implants

Before you get dental implants, you may wish to check on the cost. Implants can be expensive, especially if you have multiple teeth to replace. Have your dentist carefully check the health of your other teeth to make sure that you don't have any other teeth that will need to be taken out soon. If you end up getting dentures in the near future, then having dental implant surgery could be money poorly spent. 

You'll also need to check your bone density before you start to get dental implants. Osteoporosis and other bone density issues can make it difficult for your dental implant's post to become integrated with your jaw. However, there may be a solution; some dentists are able to do bone grafting procedures in order to add density to the site and make it more stable.