Seniors and Teeth

Seniors and Teeth

Since 60 is the new 40, most senior citizens are looking for ways to make their 60 year old smile look like a 40 year old smile. Dentures used to be the only option for replacement of tooth loss. Dentures can replace missing teeth, but at a cost to the wearer. They are not very stable, and have limited retention, therefore, chewing ability is decreased. This instability (movement of the denture) not only limits the wearer to soft foods, but also causes bone loss in the jaw over years of wear, and can also cause speech problems.

The stimulation that an implant offers will approximate a tooth, and stop bone loss. A denture actually stops blood supply and will cause further bone loss, and impede speech and decrease chewing ability.

Dental implants are placed under the gum line in place of missing teeth. Then prosthetic restorations, like porcelains, bridge-work, or dentures are attached to a post or abutment placed on top of the crown. When you chew, the implant acts like the root of a tooth; it transmits force to the jaw and stimulates the bone. By transmitting the forces of chewing to the jaw, implants increase bone density. Implants have shown to not only stop bone loss, but, in some cases, actually reverse bone loss and restore the health of the jaw.

Due to the limitations of dentures and the positive aspects of dental implants, many seniors are finding that implants are a great solution. With new technologies, placement of implants has become much more routine, predictable, and successful.

With dental implants, a patient can turn back the clock and have an attractive smile that is healthy, functional, and one that looks decades younger.