Dental Implants and the ‘Elderly’ Factor

Is age a factor for dental implants?

Over the years, at our Derby Dental Implant Centre, we have had a number of older patients who have told us that they are frustrated by their dentures and really wished that they could eat normally again. One gentleman, with a smile on his face, said that as you get older, it’s the little things in life that make the days more enjoyable and he regretted not being able to eat foods that weren’t soft all the time.

We are fairly sure that he is far from the only older person that feels this way and that many simply presume that it is too late in life to do anything about it. The fact is though, that plenty can be done about it and age doesn’t really come into it at all.

The problem with dentures and the alternatives….

Most older people who have lost teeth will have either opted to have had dentures fitted or, simply left a gap where the tooth used to be. Whilst it is probably true that as we approach our 70s, 80s and even beyond, we may not be overly concerned about our appearance, but, having lost a number of teeth, we will also lose or at least decrease the ability to chew food effectively. This usually results in older people opting for softer foods, simply to make life easier for themselves.

Whilst there are some very nutritious and healthy soft foods available, such as fish for example, restricting a diet like this can lead to an insufficient intake of proteins, vitamins and minerals; all things which contribute to good health. Whilst most of us will not want to be running marathons as we get to this age, we would hope, in this day and age, to be mobile and active enough to enjoy our years in retirement.

Dental implants in older people

Instead of simply putting up with the dentures that cause eating problems though, there is a real solution for older people and that is to have dental implants placed. Although many people are surprised to hear it, there are generally no problems regarding placing dental implants in people in their 70s and even beyond. The procedure still has an extremely high success rate and can provide many years of being able to eat pretty much any food that the person wishes. In fact, as dental implants can last for over 30 years, they will most likely last for the lifetime of the person concerned.

Full denture replacement

As many older people will have lost most, or even all, of their teeth, they may need to have a number of teeth replaced. To do this with dental implants would be impractical and a same day dental implant procedure would be more beneficial. This procedure is usually done to replace a full arch of teeth and involves the placing of just four dental implants onto which a fixed bridge is attached.

This procedure offers an excellent alternative to dentures and whilst providing a new full set of teeth, the same as dentures, they are much more firmly attached and the wearer will find that that there are no real restrictions on what they can eat with them.

Precaution

Although there are no real reasons why an elderly person should not receive dental implants at the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre in Derby, we would strongly recommend that if you have any existing serious health problems, that you consult your doctor beforehand and also advise us of these prior to the procedure commencing.

For more information about dental implants, please contact our implant line on 01332 550933.

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