Why Implants Are the Best Option for Elderly People With Missing Teeth

As we grow older, dealing with tooth loss, gum disease, and general deterioration of the teeth becomes increasingly common. If you’re a senior considering dental implants, you might wonder about their effectiveness and success rate at your age. Are they as beneficial for older adults as they are for younger people? These concerns are perfectly valid, and understanding the full scope of what dental implants can offer is crucial. 

For this reason, we’ll explore why dental implants often stand out as the best choice for seniors in Scripps Ranch and the area, helping you make a well-informed decision about this life-enhancing treatment.

Are dental implants advisable for seniors?

Yes, dental implants are often suitable for seniors with good overall health and adequate jawbone density. Still, it’s important to consider some key points:

• Medical history: Seniors with conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or osteoporosis need to manage these well before considering dental implants. Discussing your health history with a dental professional is crucial to assess if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
• Bone density: Bone loss in the jaw due to age or long-term tooth loss may impact the success of dental implants. Some individuals may require a bone graft to ensure the jaw can support the implants properly.

• Recovery time: The healing process for dental implants can be slower in the elderly, due to factors like reduced blood flow and slower tissue regeneration. It’s important to closely follow your dentist’s care instructions and allow ample time for healing.
• Smoking: Smoking impairs gum healing and decreases the success rate of dental implants by affecting blood flow to the gums. For seniors considering implants, discussing smoking habits and ideally quitting can significantly enhance the surgical outcome.

Is it better to have dentures or implants?

When it comes to dental implants vs dentures for elderly people, there’s no definitive right or wrong. Here are some of the critical information required to make an informed decision:‍

Daily care

Dentures should be removed nightly for cleaning. This involves rinsing them under warm (not hot) water to prevent warping, using a suitable denture cleaner for brushing, rinsing again with cool water, and soaking overnight in cool water. Unlike dentures, dental implants are maintained much like natural teeth and are not removable.

Durability concerns

Dentures, made from acrylic plastic, are prone to breaking if dropped or when biting into hard foods. They require careful handling during removal, cleaning, and insertion. In contrast, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, providing a stable and long-term option for tooth replacement.

Additional adjustments

Dentures often need regular follow-up appointments for maintenance. As the jawbone deteriorates and reshapes over time, the fit of dentures may change, requiring them to be refitted or replaced. In contrast, dental implants help maintain the structure of the jawbone in a similar way to natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants generally only require professional dental cleanings twice a year.

Material and quality choices

Dental implants are typically made from zirconia, a strong and durable material ideal for creating long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing dental solutions. With a chewing efficiency close to 95%, implants vastly outperform the 10-15% efficiency of traditional dentures. This significant difference means that those with dental implants can enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling with much greater comfort and confidence.

Bone health and potential Issues

Elderly individuals need to be particularly cautious about bone loss, which is a common issue with various health impacts. Dentures, unfortunately, can accelerate this process. When the natural tooth roots are missing, the jawbone isn’t stimulated by the pressures of chewing, leading to bone deterioration or atrophy. This not only necessitates frequent refitting or replacement of dentures but can also change the facial structure, giving the mouth a sunken appearance.

‍Long-term costs

Though dentures often come with a lower initial price tag, their long-term costs can add up due to frequent replacements, refittings, and repairs. On the other hand, the cost of dental implants might appear higher at first, but this price includes tooth extractions, bone contouring, and the implant placement itself. When these factors are taken into account, the total investment in implants closely matches the overall costs of maintaining dentures.

Should an 80 year old get dental implants?

If you’re wondering what is the oldest age to get dental implants and whether it’s worth getting dental implants if you’re beyond 70 years old, the answer largely depends on the individual’s overall health and jawbone density. Many seniors, including those in their 80s, successfully receive dental implants. The key factors include good general health, adequate bone density to support the implants, and the absence of certain chronic diseases that might impair healing.

What can seniors get instead of a tooth implant?

Seniors looking for alternatives to dental implants have several options, depending on their oral health, budget, and personal preferences: 

• Partial dentures: While full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth, partials are removable dentures meant for replacing just a few teeth. They require adjacent teeth to be healthy as they anchor to these for stability. 
• Fixed bridge: A bridge replaces one or several adjacent teeth by anchoring false teeth to crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap. This option assumes that the adjacent teeth will remain healthy and stable long-term; if they do not, the bridge may fail, and alternative solutions will be necessary.
• Flippers: Lightweight and removable, flippers are temporary partial dentures often used while awaiting a permanent solution. They are more brittle and wear out quickly, not well-suited for regular chewing. Users may find them uncomfortable and they can place excessive pressure on the gums and bones, potentially causing further damage.

Who provides the best dental implants for seniors in Scripps Ranch & the region?

For those in Scripps Ranch thinking about dental implants, it is common to have questions about maintenance, such as how to floss correctly and how to deal with potential issues. Navigating these challenges might seem daunting, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Dr. Tsvetov is here to address all your questions and provide the support you need. Trust in his expertise to guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome with this treatment. Contact us today and set up your consultation and take the first step towards a better smile!