You’re not as young as you used to be. You may not be as fast or as strong as you once were, but that doesn’t mean that you’ve check out of life—not at all! After your dentist tells you that you need to have a tooth or two removed, you think hard about your replacement options.
A quick Google search about dental implants will tell you right away that they are designed to last a long, long time—up to 30 years or longer. But what about patients who are already in their 70s, 80s, or 90s? Are dental implants still a smart choice over dentures alone? You bet! Read on to learn how this treatment can enrich your life, regardless of how old you are.
Short-Term Benefits of Dental Implants
Although dental implants have a long lifespan, you can enjoy many benefits in the short term as well. For instance, while dentures need to be soaked and cleaned every night, not to mention adjusted frequently and entirely replaced about every five years, the upkeep for dental implants is simple. All you have to do is brush and floss them like natural teeth and visit your dentist every six months for checkups.
How Older Patients Can Benefit from Dental Implants
Any adult patient who has missing teeth can benefit from dental implants, but especially those of the older generation. Fresh, fibrous, and vitamin-rich foods, such as broccoli, apples, carrots, and more, can be tough for older people.
Although your bite naturally weakens as you age, dental implants help to maintain jaw strength. In fact, research indicates that dental implants can restore up to 70 percent of your original biting force. The implant post is firmly grounded in the bone, bringing in nutrients that are lost with dentures alone. As a result, when you have dental implants, you’re better able to have a healthy, nutritious diet.
Good Candidates for Dental Implants
The basic, main requirements for implant candidates is that they need to have a healthy mouth, free from infection or decay, and enough supportive bone in the jaw. As long as you have these, you’ll likely qualify for this treatment, no matter your age. Even if you have gum disease or another impediment, your dentist can address the problem and get you back on track, enabling you to experience the benefits of dental implants.
Ultimately, you want to live life to the fullest for as long as you can, and dental implants allow you to do just that. Whether you’re 20 or 100, your confident smile is worth the investment and can help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle for many more years to come!
About the Author
At Island Coast Dentistry, Dr. Jeffrey Skupny treats patients of all ages. Even with many years of experience, he hones his skills through continuing education through Spear Education, which is a prestigious institution. He also is a Diplomate in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. If you would like to see if you qualify for dental implants, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Skupny by contacting Island Coast Dentistry here.