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Dental implants for older adults: Of course!

Do you doubt the convenience of using dental implants for older people? Do you want to find out if they offer the optimal solution for treating tooth loss in elderly individuals? In this article, we’ll explore the suitability. In this article, we will discuss the use of implants in older individuals and tackle some of the recurrently raised concerns related to this treatment.

Dental implants for older people: A suitable choice

Some people think there are better alternatives than dental implants for older people. Nevertheless, If you experience tooth loss, the ideal solution is the placement of a prosthesis of this type.

In this sense, it is necessary to highlight implants’ convenience in substituting missing teeth. Without a doubt, they are an excellent answer since they avoid bone loss and gum retraction. In addition, among other things, they facilitate dental hygiene and allow dentures to look much more esthetic.

There is a common belief that implants may not be the best option for everyone.  They think it is not the right solution for older people because of bone resorption. However, this widespread conviction needs to be corrected. The reality is that most seniors can get them placed without facing major difficulties.

Dental implants: an overview

The purpose of implants is to function as the foundation of the prosthesis that will take the place of the missing tooth. It is a metallic element implanted under the jaw bones’ gums through a surgical procedure.

These elements comprise certain fundamental parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the crown. The first sits in the bone as an artificial root and is usually screw-shaped. The second is the intermediate element that connects the post with the height. Finally, there is the crown- nothing more than the artificial tooth.

It’s important to mention that these implants provide great stability to the prostheses because they are fused with the jaw bone. In addition, they allow replacements to feel much more comfortable, natural and have greater durability.

Dental implants benefits for older adults

Among the advantages that they offer over other tooth replacement options for older people are the following:

  • It is immediate. The placement has immediate effects. The patient goes home after the procedure with the feeling of having fully recovered their teeth.
  • They are more aesthetic. Implants look much more aesthetic because they look extremely natural. Consequently, improving one’s smile can have a significant impact on the confidence of older individuals.
  • Dental implants can have a rejuvenating effect. Losing dental pieces accelerates facial aging, mainly due to bone resorption. On the contrary, the implant works as a root and prevents the loss of bone density, which translates into a much younger face.
  • They are easy to clean.  They are cleaned in the same way as a natural tooth is cleaned. For this reason, the grooming process is much easier.

In addition, it significantly improves chewing and oral capacity. Let’s remember that implants do not allow prostheses to move. Consequently, people can eat and talk without fear of suffering any accident.

Suitability of dental implants for the elderly

Are dental implants a good option for older adults? Of course, it is. This procedure is ideal for older people. However, it should be noted that before placing them, a thorough dental evaluation is necessary.

In this way, the professional will be able to identify the patient’s general health conditions with certainty. In addition, he will be able to determine unequivocally the impact they will have on his life.

The most important challenge a dentist can face when placing an implant in an older person is the absence of bone to insert it. However, there are currently a wide variety of procedures to identify them, even for not having an appropriate bone base. In these cases, it is possible to perform a graft of bone material or use micro-implants.

Implant Options for Older Adults

Currently, many types of dental implants exist. Each is designed to cover a specific need and fulfill a certain function.

Among the various implant options that older people have, the following stand out:

  • Traditional. They are the classic titanium screws placed in the jaw by dental surgery. This type of implant requires healthy bone for placement.
  • All on 4. It is a dental implantation system that allows total denture replacement.

In general, implant-supported dental prostheses are the best alternative for older people. The implantation method to choose will depend on the patient’s individual situation. To achieve the desired success, a thorough and thorough evaluation is required by a professional.

Implant Options for Older Adults

What is the long-term success rate of dental implants in older adults?

Dental implants in people over 60 have a very high success rate. It exceeds 90%, as endorsed by different studies published in specialized magazines. Said percentage is similar to the expectations of these procedures in much younger patients.

Of course, for the placement of implants to have the desired long-term result, certain care must be taken. In this order of ideas, visiting the dentist periodically and having good dental hygiene is necessary.

The positive impact on the lives of older people

Carrying out this method in the elderly produces a strong improvement in their quality of life. The reason for it? People who have undergone oral surgery can now speak more clearly, eat with ease, freely express happiness with a smile, and even appear youthful.

Placing dental implants in older people has a strong and positive impact on their lives. This dental procedure can improve patients’ self-esteem, increase self-confidence, and optimize their social interactions.

Conclusion

Currently, Implants are a great choice for substituting a missing, several, or all dental pieces. Older people can access these treatments without major risks if a good prior diagnosis is made.

In the same way, the procedure must be carried out by expert professionals and follow all the corresponding health protocols. The effect of this treatment is immediate, and the improvement in the patient’s quality of life is significant. 

For this reason, here at International X Dental Clinic, we give a resounding yes to dental implants for the elderly. Contact us!