Dental Implants for Older Adults: 5 Facts Waco Residents Should Know
Due to genetics and time, older adults tend to experience more oral health issues, which may include problems with decay, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. And while several dental solutions can help you restore your smile, dental implants tend to be a popular and long-lasting option. Here are five facts about dental implants for older adults to discuss with a local Waco dentist.
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1. Implants are durable and long-lasting.
A dental implant is a device, often a titanium post, inserted into the jaw and intended to last a lifetime and integrate with the jaw over time. Once the area around the post heals, you will receive a dental crown, bridge, or denture on top, depending on your treatment plan.
Each of these options is made of durable materials like ceramic or porcelain that can last years or decades, depending on care and oral health. Because of the nature of a dental implant procedure, the implant itself can last a lifetime, which is one of the key factors that make implants more popular than dentures with some older adults.
2. Dental implants can be an affordable solution.
While some people may associate dental work with a hefty bill, there are affordable dental implants for every budget. Waco residents will want to work with their dentist to explore insurance coverage and financing options. If your dental insurance doesn’t cover implants, you may be able to receive financing through a lender that can offer budget-friendly monthly payments.
3. Implants can do more than improve aesthetics.
One of the major benefits of a dental implant is that it can replace a missing or damaged tooth to restore a natural smile. However, in addition to making a smile more beautiful, there are several functional benefits of dental implants, including:
- Guard against jaw bone deterioration
- Restore chewing and speaking abilities
- Improve the health of surrounding teeth
- Make surrounding teeth more stable
- May last a lifetime with proper care
4. Caring for dental implants is simple.
When you have dental implants, caring for them is the same as caring for natural teeth. That means a daily oral health routine should consist of brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet. In addition to daily care, you will also want to ensure you get regular dental check-ups every six months, or as instructed by a dentist, to assess the function of the dental implant and surrounding teeth over time.
5. The entire process may take several months to complete.
The end-to-end dental implant process can take a few months, depending on factors such as existing oral health, other dental procedures needed, and implant customization. It’s important for patients considering implants to factor in the overall timeline to set realistic expectations for when care will be completed.
The bottom line
Dental implants are a viable and affordable dental solution that can change oral health for older adults. Those interested in learning more about how dental implants work, how much they cost, and how they can improve oral health should consult a local Waco dentist.
