Dental implants for the elderly

As you reach a certain age, it is natural to have questions about whether dental implants are right for you. You may wonder how successful you will be with dental implants based on your age. You may be surprised to learn that dental implants are just as effective for seniors as they are for younger people.

Fortunately, with advances in science and technology, dental implants are just as effective and durable for older adults as they are for younger people. Dental implants often change the lives of older adults for the better, giving them greater physical health and self-confidence. There is no age limit for dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are like screw-shaped artificial tooth roots. An experienced dentist places dental implants in your jawbone, which then fuses with your natural bone. This becomes a base to support the artificial teeth, also known as a crown.

A connector, also known as an abutment, is placed on top of the dental implant to hold your crown in place. The crown is custom-made to fit your teeth and fit in your mouth.

Dental implants are the strongest, safest, and most predictable dental procedure.

Dental Implant Procedures

Dental implant procedures typically involve several different steps:

A consultation An experienced dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays (3D images), and discuss your implant options and a plan for your dental implant surgery.

Dental Implant Placement: At your next appointment, your dentist will place the dental implant in your jaw, where your missing teeth are. Most people experience less discomfort and pain than expected and can usually return to work and their normal routine the next day. However, keep in mind that each person’s experience with dental implants is unique. IV sedation or local anesthesia may be used during the surgery to make the procedure more comfortable.

Like any other surgery, discomfort after implant surgery is normal. Dental implant discomfort for seniors may include swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, or pain. Implantologists usually manage patients’ pain with over-the-counter medications.

As the dental implant and your jawbone begin to grow together, they undergo a process called osseointegration, which is the fusion of the implant and the bone. During this process, a strong, durable foundation is formed for your replacement teeth.

For a few weeks, your dentist may put you on a soft diet to ensure your implants heal properly. Within a few months, you will be back to your normal life.

Implant base abutment placement: After the implant is attached to your jawbone, your dentist will place a small connector (abutment) over the dental implant. In some cases, the abutment can be placed over the implant base at the same time as the implant is placed.

New crown: Once your gums have healed after the initial surgery, your dentist will custom-make your new denture by making molds of your remaining teeth.

Your dentist can make a crown, an implant-supported bridge, or a denture that contains multiple replacement teeth. Your dentures will not decay, but they will still need the same routine care, checkups, and cleanings as your natural teeth.

The number of appointments with the implant specialist and dental visits required to check your dental implants will depend on the number of dentures being placed and the type of implant you receive.

Overall, the entire process usually takes about three to nine months. It is a good idea to have regular appointments with your dentist to make sure everything is going well.

How to Manage Your Dental Implants After Surgery

After dental implant surgery, you can expect to experience:

• Swelling of your gums and face
• Minor bleeding
• Bruising of your skin and gums
• Pain at the implant site

Typically, your dental surgeon uses stitches that are absorbed by the body. If your stitches are not absorbable, your doctor will remove them. Your doctor may recommend pain medication or antibiotics.

Tips for Caring for Dental Implants

Most dental implant procedures for seniors are successful. In some cases, the bone does not fuse to the dental implant. In these cases, the dental implant is removed and you can try the dental implant again in about three months.

You can help your implants last longer by:

Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly

Seeing your dentist in Mississauga regularly and getting regular professional cleanings

Avoiding harmful habits such as chewing hard candy or ice or using tobacco

Keep in mind that all oral surgery carries a small risk of bleeding disorders, infections, and allergic reactions. For example, if

the implant is placed too close to a nerve, it can cause numbness or tingling in the tongue, lips, gums, or face. If your body

rejects the dental implant, it can cause pain at the implant site, along with swelling, fever, and chills.

If you experience any symptoms or suspect that there is a problem after your implant, you should see your dentist right away.