Dental implants are one of the best restoration options available to patients of all ages to replace one or more missing teeth. As we age, our general health can be affected just like the rest of her body. Bone health plays a vital role in oral health so it is only natural that, with age, comes dental issues. Dental implants are not the only restoration option available; traditional restorations for tooth replacement include dental bridges, dentures and partial dentures.
Dental implants are the better option when available because they help support bone health in the jar. Dental implants are screwed directly into the jawbone and help stimulate bone regeneration. Implants are essentially an artificial tooth route and work just the same to secure an implant restoration place.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are natural looking and incredibly stable, allowing patients to continue a higher quality of life. Traditional restorations like bridges or dentures are not as stable as dental implants. Dentures rely on adhesion and retention to stay in place and they sit on top of the gum tissue. This can contribute to the deterioration of the jawbone and will eventually become ill-fitting and need to be adjusted or replaced. Dentures are typically a much less comfortable dental prosthesis when compared to dental implants.
Dental implants have proven longevity and encourage bone regeneration, which helps remaining teeth stay in place. Dental implants do require surgery for implant placement which can be a big factor when determining which treatment is best for you. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants but if you are overall healthy and are prepared for the longer process of dental implants, they are the superior option.
Dental Implants Over 60
When considering your age and whether or not you should have a dental implant, your dentist will help you determine if you have the necessary bone structure and you can decide if you will be able to endure surgery and healing time. Dental implants can take up to six months to heal completely before they can be fully restored with the implant prosthesis. This extensive healing time ensures full integration of the implant with the bone structure. This process is called osseous integration and is crucial to the success of the implant. It is vital that you understand your limitations during this healing time which may affect your diet and lifestyle.
Before you begin implant treatment, it is important that your dentist and implant surgeon have a complete medical history as well as a current list of all the medications that you are taking. Patients who suffer from a degenerative bone disease, such as osteoporosis, may experience tooth loss and think that they are not a candidate for dental implants. But, if you are otherwise healthy, your implant surgeon can perform a bone graft or gum graft, to ensure a secure foundation and success of the implant.
If you are over 60 and are considering dental implants to restore missing teeth, your dentist will be able to guide you through the process so that you are able to make an informed decision and proceed with the treatment that is right for you.