The chance of needing a root canal triples after age 65 — meaning tooth loss is much more prevalent among older adults. Dentures have traditionally been the go-to replacement option for seniors, but what about dental implants? These could be the ideal alternative that preserves the rest of your smile.
Dental Implants vs Dentures: What’s the Difference?
Dental implants are a permanent type of tooth replacement compared to dentures, which need to be replaced every five to 10 years. Furthermore, dental implants are fixed in your mouth — either in the jawbone itself, under the gum line, or in the cheekbone — to provide greater structural stability. Dentures sit over the gums.
Having dental implants as a senior can enhance speech, improve chewing, and help prevent future jaw deterioration. Dentures can also improve speech and eating abilities, but they do not stop the jawbone from weakening.
One of the biggest advantages of dental implants for seniors is the ability to prevent future tooth loss.
Dentures do not stimulate the jawbone, meaning it can weaken and eventually cause other teeth to loosen and fall out. The risk of gum disease is also higher among patients who wear removable dentures. Without proper cleaning, dentures can harbor harmful bacteria that go on to cause oral health problems.
Dental implants allow a senior to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth and preserve the rest of their smile. There are even all-on-4 or all-on-6 dental implants that can replace an entire row (arch) of missing teeth in one treatment.
Protecting an Aging Mouth
As you grow older, several factors put you at an increased risk of oral health problems:
- Natural gum recession exposes the teeth more, which can lead to cavity formation.
- Medications can cause the salivary glands to process less saliva, leading to a dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Enamel weakens, and the biting tips of your teeth wear down due to decades of biting, chewing, and grinding.
Good oral hygiene and lifestyle habits are the first steps toward preserving your smile. If you suffer from tooth loss, the best thing to do is seek professional care. In many cases, dental implants can prevent the need for dentures and give you decades of beautiful teeth.
Schedule a Consultation With Gallery 57 Dental
Visit our state-of-the-art dental office in New York City to meet with one of our smile specialists. We would be happy to discuss your options for tooth replacement and smile restoration. You can contact us online or call our office on West 57th Street at
212-246-8700.
