About Dental Implants
Senior Dental Implants
Dental implants are the superior option for replacing one, several, or all missing teeth in the mouth. Implants offer a permanent and stable support system for artificial dentures, bridges, or crowns with no slipping or shifting. Dental implants closely resemble and function as normal teeth with a more natural feel than conventional dentures and bridges. While not an option for everyone, many seniors choose dental implants after suffering the frustration and embarrassment of dentures.
Dentures v Dental Implants
While dentures can help restore function and appearance, they come with many drawbacks. Even people who have worn dentures for years can experience discomfort as well as difficulty eating and speaking. Dental implants are a permanent solution to create natural-looking, strong teeth that will not come out of place.
Unlike dentures, dental implants are not removed and are instead cared for as regular teeth with brushing and flossing. Dental implants will not move or slip out of place for normal eating and speaking. There are no limitations on food as there are with dentures.
Another important distinction between dentures and dental implants is long-term bone health. While dentures can support the lips and cheeks, they do not replace teeth in the jawbone. This means people who wear dentures will experience natural bone loss. Dental implants prevent this bone loss by giving the bone a replacement tooth with a root (the implant itself) that exerts pressure like natural teeth.
Types of Senior Dental Implants
Dental implants come in many forms. The two broad types of implants are endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants, but there are several options within each sub-group.
Endosteal implants are placed in the jawbone and are usually shaped like cylinders or screws. This type of implant is placed by first installing the screw and cylinder portions in the jawbone. After 1-3 months, bone will grow around the implant and the abutment can be placed. A dental crown, bridge, or denture is then placed on the abutment for a permanent solution.
Subperiosteal implants are placed above or on the jawbone and under the gums. These implants are a good option for people with a shallow jawbone who are unable to undergo the surgery to correct this problem. A subperiosteal implant is made up of a metal framework with protruding posts. Most of the implant will be hidden beneath the gums, but posts will remain exposed. Dentures can then be attached to the posts.
Dental implants may involve replacing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire mouth of teeth. Implant-supported dentures are most popular among seniors as they offer clear advantages over standard dentures. This solution is most commonly used to fabricate permanent dentures for the lower jaw, where traditional dentures are less stable.
An implant-supported denture is available in two styles: ball-retained and bar-retained. Bar-retained dentures use a thin bar that follows the curve of the jaw which is attached to 2-5 imlpants in the jaw. Clips are fitted to the denture and bar to secure the denture in place. Ball-retained dentures are comprised of implants in the bone that hold an ball-shaped attachment that fits onto a socket in the denture.
Dental Implant Costs
The cost of dental implants depends on many factors, including the number of missing teeth, the type of implant, and the condition of the jawbone, which may require bone grafting. In general, a single tooth implant costs between $1,000 and $3,000 while the cost of a crown and abutment adds $500 to $3,000 to the cost. The full cost of a single dental implant is usually $1,500 to $6,000. Replacing two to four teeth may cost $6,000 to $10,000 by comparison.
One of the most popular senior dental implants is implant-supported dentures. The cost for a full set of implant-supported dentures is $7,000 to $90,000, but a single plate on the top or bottom may cost $3,500 to $30,000.
Dental Implants Recovery Process
Dental implant surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis in several stages. First, the damaged tooth is removed and the jawbone is prepared for surgery. Patients who have experienced bone loss may require bone grafting at this point to prepare the bone for the implant. Once the jawbone heals, the dental implant post is placed in the jawbone. The jawbone will heal around the implant over a period of two months. The abutment is then placed on the implant. After the soft tissue of the gums heals, the crown, bridge, or denture is placed.
Dental implant surgery is considered minor and done with local anesthesia. Discomfort following the procedure is common and may involve some pain at the implant site, brusing of the gums and skin, swelling of the face and gums, and minor bleeding. Pain medication may be prescribed for the first few days.
Dental Implants Aftercare
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth to prevent gum disease. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups Implants should be brushed twice a day with a soft manual or electric toothbrush. Low-abrasive toothpaste can prevent scratches to the crowns while dental floss can be used to clean around the abutments.
