Millennium Centre: 
As we age, our teeth can naturally become weaker and more prone to damage. For some, this damage is too severe for conventional dental treatments to be effective. Fortunately, dental implants are an excellent option for pensioners looking to restore their smiles and dental health. Let’s look at why dental implants are such a great choice for older patients.
And if, as a pensioner, you are concerned about the cost of having dental implants fitted, we’ll also share many options that can make the treatment affordable to all. Most dentists work with leading payment plan providers that allow for comfortable repayment of your treatment cost over several monthly or weekly payments. Another option is accessing your Superannuation to help with funding. Either way, the benefits of dental implants outweigh their cost by far, so let’s find out more about this advanced solution.
What are dental Implants?
The small titanium posts known as dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replicate the root of natural teeth. As these posts integrate with the jaw bone, they offer a secure base for the replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges or dentures. Implants can be used to replace single or several missing teeth.
Benefits of dental implants for pensioners
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants provide a permanent and secure solution to replace missing teeth, helping pensioners maintain better oral hygiene and reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease.
- Increased Comfort: no more need for dentures that can slip out of place due to ill-fitting components. Dental implants provide a more comfortable and natural feeling solution that won’t irritate the gums and cheeks like traditional dentures might.
- Better Speech and Eating: Traditional dentures can cause slurring speech due to slippage or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Dental implants preserve the jawbone, allowing you to speak and eat more confidently.
- Improved Appearance: Dental implants can help restore a natural-looking smile, preserving the facial structure.
- Reduced Risk of Bone Loss: Dental implants are securely embedded into the jawbone, which helps to maintain its strength and integrity over time. That can help prevent bone loss in the jaw, a common problem in seniors.
- Long-Term Solution: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, providing a permanent solution, as opposed to other tooth replacement options that need to be changed every few years.
- Increased Self-Esteem: Along with improved aesthetics, dental implants can help pensioners regain their self-esteem and confidence in social settings.
Cost of Pensioners’ Dental implants
Most pensioners are concerned about dental implants cost, as they may sound high at first.
Thankfully, several payment options allow pensioners to receive necessary treatment at a fair price. With the right treatment plan, pensioners can access dental implants at affordable prices and find peace of mind knowing that their teeth will be attended to properly.
Dental Implant types
When it comes to dental implants, there are three primary categories: endosteal, subperiosteal and zygomatic.
- Endosteal implants: the most popular choice for patients seeking a secure foundation to anchor their artificial teeth. These dental prosthetics are inserted directly into the jawbone, providing long-term stability and comfort.
- Subperiosteal implants: they are a great solution for those lacking adequate jawbones to support endosteal implants. These dental fixtures sit under the gum but on or above your jawbone, offering an ideal alternative for patients with weak bone mass.
- Zygomatic implants: are placed in the cheekbone. They are an option for people who do not have enough jawbone to support endosteal or subperiosteal implants.
Who is eligible for dental implant treatment?
Patients with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or other autoimmune diseases, may not be eligible for dental implants to replace missing teeth.
It is important to fully disclose your medical history and medications to your dentist at the initial consultation so that they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Besides that, other current dental issues need to be addressed before your dental implant procedure. These might include teeth needing to be extracted, gum disease or periodontal disease to be managed etc.
Who doesn’t qualify for implantation dental services?
Pregnant women, those with severe bruxism or clenching problems, patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy and those with weakened jawbones due to an advanced age are generally not suitable candidates for implantation treatment. Additionally, smokers may be at greater risk for implant failure due to impaired healing of the gums and bone.
Preparation for dental implants for pensioners
Before dental implant placement, dental professionals should always properly evaluate patients to ensure that the dental implant treatment is safe and appropriate for their oral health needs.
This evaluation will include dental x-rays and imaging to assess a patient’s current condition and overall medical health to develop a personalised dental treatment plan for each case’s specific needs.
The evaluation will also help the dentist decide if the patient requires additional treatment before placement, including periodontal care or tooth extraction.
You must address these issues before implant placement starts to get optimal outcomes.
Post-op and aftercare for dental implants for pensioners
Proper care after dental implants is an essential part of the process to ensure successful long-term results. While every patient’s situation can be different, some general tips for dental implant aftercare include:
- Taking prescribed medications as directed.
- Following a soft diet until healing is complete.
- Avoid strenuous activities such as contact sports.
- Regularly brushing and flossing to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Attending regular follow-up appointments with your dentist.
Conclusion
All in all, dental implants offer numerous benefits for pensioners looking to restore their smiles after tooth loss due to age or decay. They’re secure and stable, highly durable, and provide excellent cosmetic results without altering the remaining natural teeth or jaw bone structure.
If you’re considering getting dental implants as a senior patient seeking a smile restoration solution – don’t hesitate! Talk to our dentist today about how these state-of-the-art restorations could help improve your quality of life!
Carindale Family Dentist comprises an expert dental team committed to offering high-quality dental care to all patients, including pensioners. Our dental clinic team graduated from elite dental schools. Helmed by Dr Grace Kim and supported by the latest technology has helped restore countless smiles.
To schedule your consultation, please call us at:
Millennium Centre: (07) 3324 9172
Metropol 2 Centre: (07) 3324 9104
Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
What to Know About Dental Implants for Seniors
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/dental-implants-for-seniors
Dental implant surgery
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
Is old age a risk factor for dental implants?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1882761609000039#cesec10