Studies show that at least 26% of adults aged 65 years or older have eight or fewer teeth due to severe tooth loss. Missing teeth can affect nutrition and jaw function and cause bite alignment issues and premature tooth wear. When choosing dental restorations for tooth loss, dentures and implants are popular options for seniors. However, dental implants have more to offer as compared to temporary dentures. Below are five reasons you should recommend dental implants to your aging parent.

Permanent Dental Solutions

Dentures are temporary restoration devices that can be removed and placed back into the mouth. Most dentures are made with bases that do not resemble natural gums. Therefore, they can look unnatural and affect the user's dental appearance. Dentures also require replacement every few years. Seniors with poor grip strength can drop their dentures often, leading to the need for regular replacements.

Dental implants are permanent restorations for tooth loss; therefore, they are perfect for aging seniors. An implant is a screw-like device that is surgically inserted into the jaw to replace a missing tooth. An artificial tooth resembling natural teeth is permanently mounted onto the implant to complete the restoration. Implants aren't removable; therefore, they give the user a natural look and feel.

Various Implant Options

There are various dental implant treatments for different cases. Seniors who have lost a few teeth can use individual implants as a permanent replacement. Individuals who have lost all their teeth can use implants too. For severe and complete tooth loss, one doesn't need to worry about undergoing multiple surgical procedures. Dental implant treatment offers the following solutions:

• All-on-four implants: In this case, four implants are inserted into each jaw. The implants secure all the artificial teeth that will be placed in the jaw.
• All-on-six implants: This procedure uses six implants to replace all the teeth in each jaw.

Both all-on-four and all-on-six options provide a support mechanism for all the artificial teeth placed in the jaw. Therefore, if one wishes to replace all the teeth in the lower jaw only, they need four or six implants. Conversely, to replace the teeth in the entire mouth, one needs eight or twelve implants. The implants are surgically fixed in one dental appointment. Thus, seniors don't have to worry about undergoing multiple procedures for tooth replacement.

Improved Bone Development

Bones become less dense with age, and the jawbone is no exception. A common cause of dental bone loss in senior adults is severe tooth loss. Almost one in five adults aged 65 years or older has complete tooth loss. Therefore, using tooth restorations such as dentures can worsen bone loss and affect jaw function. Conversely, dental implants can stimulate bone development and preserve one's dental health in old age.

Dental implants are inserted into the jawbone to act as an anchor for the artificial teeth. During the healing process, the bone fuses with the implant as it would with natural teeth. This process signals the root to stimulate bone growth. Every time the user chews, the pressure applied to the implant stimulates bone tissue, which strengthens the jaw.

Fewer Routine Checkups

Dental implants are permanent restorations; therefore, they do not require frequent replacements, repairs, or adjustments. Once the treatment is successful, you don't need to check in with their prosthodontist regularly. All that's required is to visit the clinic once or twice a year for routine dental cleanings. During these visits, seniors should get checked for other dental conditions such as gum disease. 

Low Maintenance Needs

Unlike dentures, dental implants are low maintenance. Users don't need to remove the restorations for cleaning every night. One can brush and floss as they would with natural teeth. Since implants preserve the jawbone, they prevent further deterioration. Thus, this lowers the risk of future dental restorative procedures.

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss in senior adults. Schedule a visit with your prosthodontist for consultation and treatment.