As we get older and wiser, our bodies generally aren’t as strong as they once were. Our teeth and gums are no exception. You might be surprised to find out that missing teeth are extremely common, and not just among seniors. Younger people also experience tooth loss in relatively high numbers, and some people are even born with missing teeth.
Dental implants are an excellent solution for seniors experiencing tooth loss or significant tooth decay. They offer a more permanent, convenient, and attractive alternative to dentures and other tooth replacements. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about dental implants for seniors and whether they may be the right treatment for you.
Missing teeth in older adults
The mouth ages just like any other part of the body. But most people aren’t aware of just how prevalent missing teeth are. According to the CDC, approximately one out of every six adults aged 65 and above have lost ALL of their teeth.
But even though missing teeth are common in the golden years, that doesn’t mean they should be left alone. Over time, missing teeth can lead to more serious dental and overall health problems. The risks of tooth loss in seniors include:
- Gum disease and its associated risks
- Crooked or shifting teeth
- Difficulty speaking and eating
- Chronic health conditions due to bacteria entering the body; missing teeth can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more
Dentures vs. dental implants
For many years, traditional dentures were considered the best solution for tooth loss. Complete and partial dentures are removable oral prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth. But how do dentures compare to dental implants?
While dentures can help mitigate some of the practical and aesthetic concerns associated with missing teeth, they also present a number of problems. Because dentures are removable, they commonly shift or fall out and generally have to be replaced every 5-10 years.
Dental implants are small titanium posts that fuse with the jawbone to provide essential support for tooth restorations. They offer a more effective alternative to dentures. Unlike dentures, dental implants are secured permanently into the jawbone, meaning they won’t shift throughout the day and can even last your entire life with regular oral care.
Are dental implants a good option for seniors?
Dental implants are an excellent treatment option for older adults with missing or severely decayed teeth. In addition to improved convenience and appearance, they can also benefit your general oral health.
By providing the same essential support as real teeth, dental implants help prevent the negative effects of missing teeth, such as bone loss and gum disease – which also become more prevalent as we age. Our specialists at Smart Arches can even replace an entire row of teeth with All-on-4 dental implants.
Before your treatment, you’ll meet with one of our expert oral surgeons to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Original Medicare does not cover the cost of dental implants. Some plans such as Medicare Advantage do offer some coverage for dental services, so it’s a good idea to review your plan carefully.
If your insurance policy doesn’t cover your dental implant treatment, don’t give up. At Smart Arches, we’re committed to making essential restorative dental care affordable and accessible to all.
We’re proud to provide flexible financing options to our patients. In fact, patients at Smart Arches often save $15-$25K on their dental implant treatment. That’s 33-44% lower than other providers!
Get a FREE dental implant consultation at Smart Arches!
Our incredible dental implant specialists aren’t just dentists who perform dental implant procedures. They’re highly trained oral surgeons focused exclusively on restoring patients’ smiles and oral health and function with state-of-the-art dental implant treatments. At Smart Arches, we strive to provide the highest standard of care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
Take a look at our smile gallery to see how we can transform your smile and book your FREE consultation today!