How Dental Implants Can Restore the Smile of Seniors
There are three things that you need to know about dental implants. First, cranky dentures fall. Second, you now have the freedom to eat whatever you want. Third, one of the best investments you will ever make is dental implants if you want to restore your naturally beautiful smile.
Dental implants have changed the lives of many people, especially seniors. Getting this can be the next best decision you’ll ever make. Talk to your dentist if you are planning to get one. Read further and know the reasons why dental implants are the best option to restore your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
Ever heard of an artificial tooth stuck on your jaws? Yes, that is Dental implants. This is a tooth replacement procedure. Dentists will place an artificial tooth on your jaw. The tooth root is made of a titanium rod and materials that are compatible with the human body.1
Also, these implants act as anchors to bridges or dentures. This is a great investment option for you other than dentures. Unlike dentures, getting implants is a long-term solution if you have a missing tooth. No more falling dentures!
What You Need to Know Before Having a Dental Implant
- Medical/Dental Check-up: You need to make sure that you are healthy. And that your jawbones are capable of getting implants. Due to old age, your bones may get weaker or softer, and getting implants might not be the best option. No worries, there are other options that your dentists can do to make this procedure a success.
- Other health conditions: The dentist must ensure a patient has a healthy immune system before having dental implants. Your dentist will assess you for pre-existing health conditions if you qualify to undergo dental implants. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes and autoimmune disorders may be at high risk of complications after dental implants.
- Dental implantation is a surgical procedure: The surgery will only take 1-2 hours for each implant to be placed. Then after three months, you need to go back to your dentist for the final restoration of the implant. 2
Facts That You Need to Know About Dental Implants
- Dental implants are made of metal or titanium
- You can have several dental implants
- A great option other than getting dentures
- It can be placed at the back or in the front of your tooth
- This is placed on your jawbone
- It lasts longer for 20-25 years
Talk to your dentist about the best implant for you. This implant is excellent; unfortunately, this is not for everybody. You should know what you are going into before deciding whether you need it or not. 3
How Is the Procedure Done?
Having implants can take longer because there are many processes for a successful procedure; remember that not all can have dental implants. Here is the process:
- Damaged tooth removal: Your dentist will take all damaged teeth. This is to prepare you for your tooth replacement.
- Jawbone grafting (if necessary): This is a surgical procedure. A small piece of bone is attached to your jawbone that puts your teeth in place to allow bone growth. 2 Munching and chewing food is a powerful motion that your jaw does every time you eat. Your mouth surgeon needs to perform a jawbone graft (if it is soft) to make your jawbones stronger. You need to wait for several months for the bone to grow.
- Placement of dental implant: Your mouth surgeon will expose your bones. After that, drill a hole in the bone where the titanium root will be attached.
- Healing and bone growth: After the implants are placed, wait for several months for the bones to grow.
- Abutment placement: Abutment is a metal piece. This is the piece that connects your “artificial tooth root” and the crown of your tooth.
- Artificial tooth placement: You need to wait for several weeks. Once you are ready, choose what tooth you like. You and your dentist can choose the type of tooth you are looking for; it can be either removable or fixed.
- After the procedure: You will feel that your face and gums are swelling. You can see some bruises on your face and gums, pain at the implant site, and minor bleeding.
Call your dentist if you are experiencing severe pain or any discomfort. You need to be watchful if your bone doesn’t fuse well. Also, it is best to stay away from smoking to avoid untoward complications and meet the best results.
There are three things that you need to keep in mind after dental implant surgery. First, you need to keep brushing your teeth. Second, see your dentist regularly. Lastly, avoid habits that could damage the implant. For example, avoid chewing hard food, smoking tobacco, and ingesting caffeinated products.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Getting an implant is an investment. It may cost more or less $4000 per tooth, depending on the state where you have it performed. It is a wise investment, though. Because you won’t need to get a new denture every year or if it got lost or broken.
Also, if your bones are a bit soft because of old age, you might need bone grafting on top of the costs per tooth. It would cost around $100-$300. Talk to your doctor or insurance provider if your insurance can cover the cost or at least a part of it.
There are other options to get the costs lower. You can have it performed in a different state with a lower offer. The good news is that under the Affordable Care Act, you can have your insurance company check if you are eligible to get a plan for your dental implant. 4
Conclusion
It is your right to look and feel nice about yourself. Show the world your gorgeous smile! So think wisely and invest smartly. Of course, dental implants are not for everybody. Call your dentist and have your teeth checked if you’re qualified for a dental implant.
You can do so many options to get that star stud smile back. Something you have been waiting to come back for years. Get yourself a nice artificial tooth. And smile at the world so that the world will smile back at you. Enjoy your implant searching and search for the best dentists in your area. Make sure that you get it right.
References:
1 Dental Implants Seniors/ Best Dental Implants
2 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research / Dental implant surgery
3 The Health Board / What is a Dental Abutment?
4 HealthCare Gov / Dental coverage in the Marketplace
