Dental Implants for Seniors
Are you wondering if dental implants are safe for senior patients? The myth that there is an upper age limit for dental implants is no longer true. In fact, for people upwards of 80 or more years old, dental implants can provide a significant improvement in quality of life. When thinking about the safety of dental implants for older patients, it is important to understand that age in itself is not a contraindication to the procedure. Many senior patients use dental implants without serious complications. While there is not an age limit, there are a few things that may limit your ability to have a dental implant. We will discuss these in this article.
Implants start with a thorough examination
Before starting the procedure for dental implants, it is important to conduct a thorough examination and speak with you about your health history and any medications that you might be taking. Please have all this information ready- especially your medication list, as it will help us make sure you are able to have implants. Some medications may affect the procedure or the healing process after implantation. For example, anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding, and some medications used to treat osteoporosis may affect the ability of bones to heal.
A thorough patient examination and appropriate planning are crucial to the success of dental implant placement in senior patients.
Benefits to Dental Implants for Seniors
There are many benefits to choosing dental implants for people over 80 years of age. First, dental implants help prevent jawbone loss, which is a common problem after tooth loss. Additionally, implants improve the ability to eat and speak, which in turn improves your quality of life. Undoubtedly, eating comfort is an extremely important aspect for senior patients, and dental implants can bring significant benefits in this respect.
Implants provide stability and functionality that exceed traditional dentures, enabling older people to better digest food. When a patient has the ability to grind food thoroughly, it has a positive effect on the entire digestive system. Better chewing means the stomach has less work to do in the digestive process, which can counteract the digestive problems and discomfort that may occur in older people. Additionally, when food is well ground, the availability and absorption of vitamins and trace elements increases, leading to better nutritional status. A well-nourished patient is a healthier patient - and this is where the positive impact of dental implants on the patient's overall health begins. By providing support for proper eating and digestion, dental implants actually improve the quality of life of older people. Because they can enjoy a variety of foods without restriction or discomfort, dental implants are a recommended option for senior patients.
In Conclusion
The impact of oral health on overall health cannot be overstated, and dental implants can play a key role in improving both areas, benefiting patients of all ages, including those over 80. There is no upper age limit for dental implants, and since they greatly benefit your overall health and quality of life, we suggest you reach out to us today to find out more information and see if you are a candidate for dental implants.