Dental implants for the elderly, a review of advantages and disadvantages

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Dental implant for the elderly is one of the effective methods to recover lost teeth that can maintain chewing function, facial beauty and quality of life in old age. As the age increases and the probability of jaw bone loss increases, the importance of choosing the right treatment increases. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of implants in the elderly are examined along with the treatment steps, possible risks and key points for choosing a dentist.

Is dental implant implantation possible for the elderly?

Yes, implant implantation in the elderly is completely possible, provided that the general health conditions of the patient are examined and the decision is made under the supervision of an experienced specialist. Contrary to popular belief, old age alone does not prevent this treatment. What is important is the condition of the jaw bone, underlying diseases and oral hygiene after surgery.

Older people usually suffer from advanced jaw bone erosion due to the passage of more time than the time of tooth extraction. If this analysis is not controlled and mobile prostheses are used instead of implants, the process of bone destruction will intensify. For this reason, dental implants are not only possible for the elderly, but can also play a protective role against further bone loss. This treatment, in addition to restoring the beauty and function of the mouth, also prevents changes in the shape of the face.

Elderly

Dental implants in the elderly are not just a solution for empty teeth; Rather, it has a series of positive effects on the health and quality of life of the elderly. Before making the final choice, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of implants in the elderly helps to make a more accurate decision. In this section, we review the most important advantages.

Maintenance of jaw bone density

Unlike removable prostheses that aggravate bone loss, the process of bone loss is stopped when physiological forces enter the bone through the implant.

Improved nutrition and chewing power

Implants act like natural teeth and allow the patient to move without worrying about moving. or fall of the prosthesis, eat harder and more varied foods.

Effect on beauty and self-confidence

Reconstructing the smile and facial shape, especially in the elderly, can restore self-confidence and strengthen the person's social presence.

Improving speech

In contrast to a movable prosthesis, the implant does not slip and does not interfere with speech; As a result, the speech becomes clearer and smoother.

Long lifespan and easy maintenance

If hygiene is followed, implants can last a lifetime and do not require special care or frequent replacement.

Preventing the movement of other teeth

Filling the empty space with the implant prevents the movement and tilting of the adjacent teeth and maintains oral alignment.

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Maintain facial structure

Bone analysis in the edentulous area changes the shape of the face and causes premature wrinkles. Implant preserves the natural structure of the face by preventing analysis.

Suitable for completely edentulous people

Although the method All-on-6 has a limited use in Iran, but in special cases for completely edentulous people, it is possible to place a fixed prosthesis based on six implants.

Mobile prostheses for the elderly

At first glance, mobile prostheses may seem like a simple and low-cost choice for the elderly; But in practice, there are serious differences in the quality of life, oral health and chewing performance between these two methods.

Disadvantages and problems of artificial teeth

Movable prostheses are usually placed on the soft tissue of the gums and do not have a base to stimulate the bone; For this reason, over time, they intensify bone loss. This analysis can progress so much that in the future, it becomes difficult even to implant an implant.

On the other hand, mobile prostheses have a poor performance in chewing hard or sticky foods, they may move when talking or laughing and cause a feeling of dissatisfaction and a decrease in self-confidence in the patient.

Definite advantages of implants over prostheses

Since implants directly They are placed in the jaw bone and have the same function as natural teeth. High stability, prevention of bone loss, natural appearance, the possibility of comfortable chewing and clear speech are among the advantages that mobile prosthesis cannot provide. Also, the long-term use of implants in the elderly allows the shape of the jaw to be preserved and there is no need for permanent adjustment or replacement like a prosthesis.

From an economic point of view, although the initial cost of the implant is higher; But in the long run, taking into account dental fees, frequent prosthetic repairs and reduced quality of life, implant therapy is considered more affordable.

In the elderly

One of the common questions among people over 60 years old is whether the steps of dental implant treatment for the elderly are different from those of young people or not. The answer is clear; The main steps are quite similar; But in elderly people, due to more bone loss and the possibility of underlying diseases, more detailed examinations are performed and additional measures such as bone grafting may be necessary. The remaining teeth are evaluated and, if necessary, scaling and preliminary treatments are performed before surgery. At the same stage, the patient's general conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes or medications are also checked.

Image and initial evaluation

Using advanced imaging such as OPG and CBCT, the condition of the jawbone, its height, width and density are checked. In cases where severe bone loss is observed, there may be a need for bone grafting or sinus lift surgery before or at the same time as implantation.

Titanium base implant surgery

At the surgical stage, the titanium base of the implant is placed in the jawbone. In many cases, this surgery is combined with bone grafting to ensure long-term stability of the implant in the weaker bone conditions of the elderly.

Duration of osseointegration

Ideally, the fusion of the implant with the bone (osseointegration) occurs within 3 to 4 months. But in the elderly with advanced bone analysis or extensive transplants, this period may increase to 5 or 6 months. However, today's techniques have made this process more predictable and successful.

Clay installation

After ensuring complete fusion, the patient enters the prosthesis stage. The design and installation of the cover or the final tooth is done by a prosthetist so that function and beauty are fully restored.

Possible risks and challenges Implants in the elderly

Although dental implants are a safe and successful procedure for the elderly; But like any surgical treatment, it may come with challenges. It should be noted that these cases are similar in old and young people; However, due to the possibility of underlying diseases or the use of certain medications in the elderly, the level of care and accuracy should be greater.

Infection

In case of not observing oral hygiene or performing surgery in a non-sterile environment, there is a possibility of infection at the implant site. Of course, by choosing the best implant specialist in Tehran and following health recommendations, this risk is minimized.

Bleeding

In some elderly patients who take blood thinners; Bleeding control is especially important. Before surgery, the dosage of drugs should be adjusted in coordination with the doctor.

Bone analysis

If the patient does not follow oral hygiene or has a history of severe bone loss, the stability of the implant may decrease in the future. This issue can be prevented by careful planning and choosing the right brands.

Metal sensitivity

In rare cases, some patients may be allergic to titanium. Of course, nowadays most implants are made of safe alloys and allergic reactions are rarely reported.

Looseness of the implant or cover

If excessive pressure is applied or the occlusion is not set correctly (setting the teeth when chewing), the cover or even the implant may become loose. This case can be resolved by visiting the dentist in time.

Nerve damage

If the implant site is close to the nerve, nerve damage may occur in case of improper design. This risk can be prevented by careful imaging and skill of the surgeon.

Sinus problems

In the maxilla, the proximity to the sinus may present a challenge in surgery. In such cases, sinus lift surgery is performed to provide a suitable space for the placement of the implant.

Delayed healing due to medication or underlying disease

Patients who have uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure, or are taking drugs such as bisphosphonates, their general condition should first be balanced before surgery.

Conditions or cautions for implants Elderly

As it was said, old age alone does not prevent dental implants for the elderly; But there are some special medical conditions in which you need to act more carefully or, in some cases, delay treatment until the condition improves.

• Uncontrolled diabetes: Diabetic patients whose blood sugar is chronically high are at a higher risk for infection and impaired wound healing. Implantation is done only when the blood sugar is controlled.
• Severe jaw bone problems or osteoporosis: In situations where the bone density is extremely low, bone grafting or strengthening procedures should be performed.
• Use of blood-thinning drugs: These drugs may increase surgical bleeding.
• Severe Alzheimer’s: in patients with Advanced Alzheimer's patients who are unable to cooperate with oral hygiene or follow treatment procedures may be at higher risk for implant placement. In these cases, the final decision should be made in consultation with the dentist and the family.

Types of implants suitable for the elderly

For the success of dental implant treatment for the elderly, choosing the right brand plays an important role, especially in situations where bone density has decreased or bone grafting has been performed. At Setare Sharq Clinic, reliable and reliable brands such as Korean DIO and MegaGen and German Bio3 are used, which are designed for the special conditions of the jaw bone in the elderly and have a high success rate.

The role of the implant in preventing bone loss and preserving the jaw structure of the elderly

Dental implants for the elderly prevent it by applying natural pressure to the jaw bone. This stimulation is similar to the function of the root of the tooth and helps maintain bone density and natural facial structure in the long term. Important points in choosing the right dentist for the elderly Choosing a dentist plays an important role in dental implant treatment for the elderly. The elderly need more detailed examinations and more experience due to bone loss, underlying diseases, or the use of certain medications.

It is better to be treated in a clinic that specializes in treating the elderly, has advanced imaging facilities, and has a successful history of implanting implants for this age group. Also, choosing a dentist who provides installment implant or installment dentistry services makes the patient and family more comfortable financially. Elderly, it is very important to take care after surgery.

• Oral hygiene: Regular brushing, use of dental floss for implants and antiseptic mouthwash should be done on a daily basis.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking and hookah slow down the healing process and increase the possibility of infection or treatment failure.
• Soft nutrition: In the first weeks, it is recommended to eat soft and lukewarm foods so as not to put too much pressure on the implant.
• Regular visits to the dentist: It is necessary to follow the bone and implant examination sessions and adjust the final veneer at the right time, to prevent possible problems. href="/dental-list-price/dental-implant-price/">implant cost may seem higher than a removable prosthesis; But in the long run, this treatment not only lasts longer; Rather, it avoids the recurring costs of prosthesis replacement, bone loss repair, and frequent visits.

  Time table of tooth extraction to implant implantation

  In favorable conditions, dental implants for the elderly can be performed at the same time as tooth extraction; But if the bone needs to be repaired, surgery is performed 2 to 3 months after extraction. The entire process, from the beginning to the installation of the crown, takes between 3 and 6 months, depending on the condition of the bone.

  If you are looking for a stable, beautiful and practical treatment for tooth replacement in old age, dental implant for the elderly is the best option that can maintain the quality of life, oral health and self-confidence. By observing care, choosing the best specialist and benefiting from services such as installment implants, this treatment is neither complicated nor expensive.

  For a free consultation, to check the conditions and to know about the dental tariff, you can contact Setareh Shargh Dental Clinic at 02177555220.

  Questions Common

  Are dental implants dangerous for the elderly?

  No; If the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist and with a complete examination of the patient's general condition, dental implants are completely safe and successful in the elderly.

  Which is better for the elderly: prosthesis or implant?

  Due to high stability, preservation of the jawbone, greater beauty and ease of chewing, implants are considered a better choice than removable prostheses.

  Can an 80-year-old person have dental implants? give?

  Yes; As long as the general health conditions are suitable and there is no special disease that prevents surgery, there is no age limit for implant implantation.

  How long does the process of implant implantation in the elderly take?

  Depending on the condition of the jaw bone, the entire treatment from tooth extraction to the installation of the final veneer takes between 3 and 6 months.

  The last update on 29 July 1404 by Stare Sharq writers team

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