3 Things Seniors Should Know About Dental Implants
Tooth loss is a very common concern for seniors. While tooth loss is not the inevitability that many people assume it is, there are certain habits, health conditions, and medications that can make it more likely that you will begin to loose teeth as you age. For a long time, dentures were the go-to solution for seniors with tooth loss. Now, however, dental implants are an increasingly popular option. Here is what you need to know about getting dental implants in your golden years.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are a number of reasons why seniors may prefer dental implants over dentures. Implants preserve your bite force, ensuring your ability to enjoy foods like steak and corn on the cob – foods that you may have to say goodbye to with dentures. Implants are also a permanent solution. While you'll pay more for them up front than you will for dentures, you won't have to spend time and money having them adjusted, fixed, or replaced due to wear and tear or damage.
Dental implants also preserve your speech and smile, allowing you to talk and interact without fear that your dentures will slip out of place. Social interaction can sometimes be challenging for seniors, and more than 40% report feelings of loneliness. Dental implants can help lessen one barrier to social interaction by lessening worries about the appearance of your teeth.
Dental Implants and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition that reduces bone density. It's a common health condition experienced by seniors, especially post-menopausal women. Because it's necessary for dental implants to fuse to the bone in your jaw, you may be concerned that bone loss due to osteoporosis will prevent you from being a good candidate for dental implants.
However, patients with osteoporosis can successfully get dental implant surgery. Advanced imaging techniques can help your dentist determine the size and shape of implant that your jaw bones can support.
Dental Implants and Diabetes
Diabetes can affect patients of any age, but it's a common concern among the elderly. For a long time, dental patients were either not considered candidates for implant surgery, or they were told to expect a higher risk of implant failure than the average patient.
However, new studies show that diabetic patients – even those with uncontrolled diabetes – are actually not at higher risk for implant failure. In fact, one study of 19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes showed no implant failures at all during the year following implantation. Patients with well-controlled diabetes had an implant success rate of 98.9%, comparable to the 99% success rate of non-diabetic patients.
Being a senior shouldn't stop you from having a terrific smile. Chances are good that you'll be a great candidate for dental implants. Just don't forget to discuss any health conditions and medications that you're taking with your dentist before deciding whether or not implants are right for you.
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