Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Are you living with lost teeth? If so, you’ve probably looked into ways to restore your smile, which means you at least know a little something about dental implants. You might be wondering about certain factors that may disqualify you from getting implants, such as age. Our Greeneville implant dentists want to assure you that dental implants are as suitable for older adults and senior citizens as they are younger individuals. Keep reading to learn more.
Get the facts on older adults and tooth loss
The current life expectancy in the United States is 78.7 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, more and more people are living into their 80s and 90s. As we age, tooth loss is more likely. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 30 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 74 already have lost all their natural teeth. Meanwhile, the ACP estimates that about 12 million senior citizens have lost all the teeth on one arch, with a staggering 23 million having no permanent natural teeth remaining.
Many senior citizens turn to dentures as a method of tooth replacement, but dentures have their issues; sore gums, difficulty chewing, and dealing with the dentures slipping and shifting in the mouth. Quality of life is crucial, especially as we age. Feeling good about your smile can go a long way at that stage in life. It means you can socialize, eat, and visit with family and friends with confidence.
We advise older patients receive implants, not dentures, to replace lost teeth
First and foremost, implants represent the finest method of tooth replacement currently available in the field of restorative dentistry. Implants are durable, strong, and look and feel more like real teeth than any other treatment option.
Senior citizens who receive dental implants can thrive. A study conducted in 2004 compared patients over the age of 80 with those under the age of 80 and found that, after five years with implants, both groups had the same high rate of success.
How do we determine if an older patient is a candidate for implants?
The best way to find out if dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with our implant dentists in Greeneville. This will include a review of your medical and dental history, as well as an examination of your current oral condition. A dental implant evaluation focuses on four crucial factors: overall health, oral health, bone health, and medications that you may be taking that could affect the outcome of the procedure.
Remember that the installation of a dental implant is still surgery and, as we age, we recover less quickly from major medical procedures. To ensure the implant fuses with the jawbone, it is necessary to wait a few months before getting the crown placed. However, many patients experience little to no discomfort following a dental implant procedure other than mild gum irritation. If you find that your jaw feels tender or achy, usually, an over-the-counter pain reliever is helpful.
Implants for Older Patients in Greeneville
As you age, experiencing the highest quality of life possible means having a fully functioning smile. It’s never too late to replace your missing teeth with dental implants. Invest in your smile and your future. Tusculum Dental Care can help. To find out more, call (386) 775-1552 to schedule your consultation for dental implants.