Tooth loss can lead to a host of unpleasant oral and overall health problems such as indigestion, malnutrition, speaking difficulties, gum injuries, enamel erosion, jawbone atrophy, dental drift, and further tooth loss. Thankfully, dental implants are the next-best thing to real teeth, and they can be used to restore the smile of patients of any age. Here’s a quick look at how dental implants work, who can be a good candidate for them, and how they can be placed in older patients.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are amazing prosthetic devices designed to replace lost teeth with beautiful and functional restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing in feeling and appearance. These devices are placed through a specialized minor surgical procedure that allows them to fuse with the jawbone through the natural process of osseointegration, giving them the sturdy foundation they need to exert maximum chewing power and last for decades if they receive excellent care.
What Does a Patient Need to Qualify for Dental Implants?
To qualify for dental implants, a patient will need to be free from oral infections, have sufficient jawbone mass to support the devices, and be healthy enough to receive minor surgery. If you aren’t ready for implants yet, your dentist will be happy to address oral health issues like gum disease in their office or refer you to a specialist for bone grafts if necessary. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption can complicate the placement process, so it’s best to abstain from these for a few weeks before and after the surgery.
Can Older Patients Receive Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be successfully placed in adults of any age, and your dentist will be happy to help you become an excellent candidate for them. However, older patients may have a lengthier recovery process since their oral tissues are more solidified. While overall health issues like diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and hemophilia and medications like steroids and blood thinners can complicate the implant process, they do not necessarily disqualify you from receiving them. Please be thorough when discussing your medical history with your dentist.
Don’t let tooth loss deprive you of the confidence you need to smile proudly at friends and family. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to enjoy a complete smile.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Saphner earned his dental degree at the University of Minnesota and has completed more than 500 hours of continuing education coursework. He is also proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Wisconsin Dental Association. His office in La Crosse offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as implant services. To schedule your dental implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (608) 668-6415.