Ageing comes with certain challenges, and oral health is one of them. Having missing teeth can cause discomfort and embarrassment for many seniors. Fortunately, implants can be a solution to this problem. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why pensioners may choose dental implants, how they work, and the benefits they offer.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a tiny post shaped like a screw that gets implanted into the jawbone through surgery. This post serves as the root of a new tooth, onto which a crown (the visible part of the tooth) is attached. Dental implants have two main uses:
- to replace missing teeth and,
- to support and hold dentures or bridges in place.
Common Reasons Why Pensioners May Choose Dental Implants
One of the main reasons that pensioners may opt for dental implants is to replace lost teeth. The teeth around a lost tooth may move or shift, affecting the bite and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum diseases. Implants can help prevent these problems and improve the overall appearance of the mouth.
It is important to remember that implants have a long lifespan, which makes them a worthwhile investment for seniors in the long run. In addition, implants are easy to care for, as they can be cleaned just like natural teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene is particularly crucial for seniors due to their heightened vulnerability to dental issues.
Steps Of Dental Implant Surgery
We will explore the steps involved in implantation surgery for pensioners.
Assessment and Treatment Plan
Before the implant placement, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate your jawbone and oral health. This assessment helps determine the best type and size of dental implant for you. Pensioners may experience jawbone weakness or loss, which can impact the success of implant placement. However, your dentist may recommend bone graft surgery to support the implant process. At this stage, a treatment plan will also be created indicating all the steps involved in your implant placement.
Dental Implant Placement
Anaesthesia will be administered during the implant placement surgery to prevent pain or discomfort. The dentist will then make an incision on the gum to expose the jawbone and drill a hole for the implant. Afterwards, the implant is placed in the hole with care and precision. The dentist will then stitch the gum back to promote healing.
Healing Process
After the implant placement, The integration of the implant with the jawbone may require several months to complete. Pensioners’ bones may heal slowly, making the process longer than usual. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication and regular check-ups to ensure everything is healing correctly. During this time, a temporary crown or bridge may be placed over the implant to prevent unwanted movement and ensure you can continue eating normally.
Abutment Placement
After the implant has completely fused with the bone, the abutment is placed to connect the crown to the implant. During this process, your dentist must expose the implant again by making a small cut in the gum. Afterwards, the abutment is attached to the implant to connect the crown and create a perfect fit.
Crown/Hybrid Denture Placement
This final step is where the permanent crown or hybrid denture is placed over the implant. The crown is custom-made using impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect and natural fit. Pensioners may opt for hybrid dentures, combining traditional and dental implants. Hybrid dentures offer more stability and prevent gum irritation which is common with traditional loose dentures.
Benefits Of Pensioners’ Dental Implants
Pensioners may often struggle with dental health issues, especially lost teeth and gum disease. Thankfully, dental implants can provide them with various benefits that can help maintain their dental health and improve their quality of life.
First and foremost, implants help pensioners by filling in the gaps left by missing teeth. That improves their appearance and self-confidence and helps prevent further deterioration of the jawbone and surrounding teeth. Additionally, dental implants can help prevent gum disease, as they reduce the risk of plaque building up and bacteria multiplying in the gaps left by missing teeth.
Dental implants are also a long-lasting solution for pensioners, with many lasting upwards of 20 years with proper care and maintenance. That means that pensioners will not have to undergo additional costly procedures down the line, minimising their financial burden.
Furthermore, implants can have a positive impact on pensioners’ overall health. They help improve chewing and digestion, allowing pensioners to regain the ability to enjoy the food they love properly. They also promote jawbone health, preventing the bone from shrinking or collapsing, which can negatively affect facial structure and speech. By supporting the jawbone, implants can help seniors maintain a more youthful appearance and better quality of life.
Lastly, dental implants can significantly improve pensioners’ quality of life. They will increase their confidence and ease in social situations, enabling them to speak and smile easily. The increased dental health and improved appearance that implants provide can also positively impact pensioners, encouraging a stronger feeling of happiness and a more optimistic mindset towards life.
In short, pensioners’ dental implants offer a wide range of benefits, including improved dental and oral health, prevention of gum disease, long-lasting efficacy, positive impact on overall health, and improved quality of life. They are a worthwhile investment for pensioners looking to maintain their oral health and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
Practical Considerations for Pensioners Considering Dental Implants
Some pensioners are considering dental implants as a solution. However, they must consider some practical things before undergoing tooth implant treatment.
Health condition
Before undergoing dental implant treatment, pensioners should evaluate their health condition. This procedure, in some cases, requires general anaesthesia and some health problems may pose risks. For instance, people with heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system may not be eligible for the treatment. Therefore, it’s important to consult a dentist about the health risks before deciding on the procedure.
Medications
Some medications can thin the blood or interfere with the healing process after the dental implant procedure. Pensioners should inform their dentist about all their medications, including over-the-counter supplements or herbal remedies. Based on this information, the dentist can advise whether to continue or pause the medicines before and after the procedure.
Dental care
Good oral hygiene is necessary after dental implant treatment. Pensioners should commit to regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure adequate dental services. Some adjustments might be required to their dental care routine, like using an antibacterial mouthwash or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, pensioners should avoid hard foods and sticky candy that can compromise the implants’ stability.
Find an experienced and reputable dental professional
Finding an experienced and reputable dental care professional to perform dental health services is critical. Dental implant surgery is complex, and pensioners must ensure they choose a provider with significant experience. Reading reviews, getting referrals from friends or family, and researching potential dental providers will help pensioners find an experienced and reputable provider.
Post-care lifestyle
Pensioners should adopt a post-care lifestyle that is compatible with dental implant treatment. For instance, heavy smoking, excessive drinking, and stress might slow down the healing process or cause infection. Eating fruits, vegetables, and protein can promote immune system activation and improve the healing process. A healthy diet is recommended for these benefits. Also, patients should refrain from engaging in physical activities or strenuous exercises for a few weeks after the procedure.
Financial considerations
Dental implant treatment can seem expensive, and pensioners might have limited financial capacity. Discussing the treatment’s cost and the available payment options with the dental care facility is important. Also, pensioners can compare the prices and quality of different dental care facilities to maximise benefits and affordability. But choosing the provider must not solely depend on the cost as it’s a long-lasting investment in overall health. Your decision should be based on both quality and results.
An Overview Of Dental Implants Cost For Pensioners
We will provide an overview of dental implant costs for pensioners and the factors that influence them. We will also advise against low-cost options in some detail.
Factors Affecting Implants Cost
The cost of dental implants is correlated with several factors, such as the implant material, the number of implants required, the provider’s reputation and experience, and your location. The type of implant material used can include titanium, ceramic, or other materials. It is worth noting that titanium implants are the most widely used material, and they are usually the most expensive. The number of implants needed depends largely on the number of teeth needing replacement. The provider’s experience and reputation are significant factors affecting the quality of dental treatment. Lastly, your location can also affect the cost of implants, with major cities typically having higher prices.
Starting Prices for Dental Implants
Typically, dental clinics in Australia advertise the cost of a dental implant starting from around $3000. The cost of the treatment at the end will rely on the factors that were mentioned earlier. Furthermore, each dental clinic may offer additional services, such as comprehensive aftercare, increasing the overall cost.
The Risks of Low-Cost Dental Implants
Many individuals are frequently attempting to access dental implants at affordable prices. While it may be tempting to seek low-cost dental implants, it is not advisable.
Low-cost implants are not a good investment as they can eventually result in more severe consequences down the line. A poorly placed or manufactured implant can result in infection, displacement, or, worse, mandibular necrosis.
The risks of these complications are significant when low-cost implants are used, as the manufacturing processes will not adhere to high-quality standards typical of premium manufacturers.
FAQs on Dental Implants for Pensioners
Can pensioners get dental implants?
Age alone does not disqualify someone from getting implants. As long as a person has good oral health, they can be a candidate for dental implant surgery.
Is dental implant surgery safe for pensioners?
Like any other surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved. However, dental implant surgery is generally considered safe if a patient is in good condition and cleared for surgery by their dentist.
How long does the dental implant process take?
It usually takes several months to complete the whole process of getting a dental implant, from the initial consultation to the placement of the final restoration.
How long do dental implants last?
The intended lifespan of dental implants is to be permanent, thanks to the process of osseointegration. This biological phenomenon leads to the implant fusing with the surrounding bone tissue, forming a strong and permanent base for prosthetic teeth.
The implant is made of durable materials such as titanium and is built to withstand the daily pressures of chewing and biting. Despite their long-lasting nature, after 15 to 20 years of usage, replacing the crown mounted on the implant may be necessary. That is because the crown, which is visible and exposed to the daily elements of the mouth, can become worn or damaged over time.
What should pensioners expect during the dental implant procedure?
The procedure involves several stages, including the placement of the implant itself, the healing process, and the placement of the final restoration. Pensioners should expect to visit their dentist several times throughout the process.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer many benefits for seniors who are missing teeth. They provide a more natural-looking and comfortable alternative to dentures and can help prevent dental problems and improve oral health. Dental implants for seniors can offer a long-lasting and effective solution to replace missing teeth with proper care and maintenance.
Choose Beyond 32 Dental for top-quality dental implants for pensioners. Our experienced dentists personalise treatment plans to suit your unique needs. Contact us on (02) 9158 6334 today to restore your confidence in your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Tips to Manage Dental Implants for Seniors
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/dental-implants-for-seniors
How Long Do Dental Implants Last, What Impacts the Duration?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-long-do-dental-implants-last
Dental Implant Placement: Practice Essentials, Periprocedural Care, Technique
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2051533-overview
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