Dental Implants for Seniors in Saginaw, TX

What Dental Implants for Seniors Are

Dental implants for seniors are the same as normal dental implants:

• They are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into your jawbone.
• They provide a stable base for replacement teeth that are designed to look and function like your natural teeth.
• They are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone to create a strong, permanent foundation for your restoration, whether it be a crown, bridge, or denture.
• They offer a long-lasting solution for tooth loss that can improve your oral health, restore your dental functionality, and give you a full, confident smile that you can show off proudly.

Advantages of Dental Implants for Seniors

1. Improved Oral Health: Dental implants can improve your oral health by restoring the structure and function of your mouth. They prevent bone loss and gum recession that can occur with missing teeth, and you don’t need to alter your surrounding healthy teeth like you would with dental crowns or bridges.
2. Increased Comfort: Dental implants provide a stable base for your replacement teeth that are more comfortable and stable than traditional dentures.
3. Improved Speech: Dentures can slip and move in your mouth, affecting your speech. Dental implants are anchored in your jawbone, providing a secure base for replacement teeth that do not move or slip.
4. Enhanced Self-Confidence: Dental implants are designed to look like natural teeth and they allow you to smile confidently without having to worry about your dentures slipping or falling out.
5. Better Nutrition: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods, which can lead to you not receiving enough nutrients. This is particularly dangerous for seniors. Dental implants allow you to eat and drink whatever you like, so you can stay healthy and happy.

The Dental Implant Procedure for Seniors

The dental implant procedure for seniors is similar to that for any other patient. It begins with a thorough evaluation, including a review of your medical history and a dental exam. This allows Dr. Robinson to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

If you qualify for implants, Dr. Robinson will create a treatment plan for your implant placement procedure. This may include X-rays or other imaging tests to assess your bone density and quality in the area where your implant will be placed.

The dental implant procedure typically involves four stages:

1. Placement of the Implant (aka the Post): The implant (the post) will be surgically placed into your jawbone and left to heal for several months so it can fuse with your bone.
2. Attachment of the Abutment: Once the implant has fused with your bone, an abutment will be attached to the implant. This is the connector between the implant and your replacement tooth or teeth.
3. Placement of the Replacement Tooth/Teeth: The replacement crown, bridge, or denture will be attached to the abutment. These replacements are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth.
4. Follow-up Visits: You will need to attend several follow-up visits so we can ensure that your implant is healing properly and that your new smile is working properly.

Recovery Time for Dental Implants

The recovery time for dental implants for seniors can vary depending on several factors, mainly your overall health, the location of the implant, and the number of implants placed. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort following your procedure. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.

As a senior, it’s important for you to follow Dr. Robinson’s instructions for post-operative care to make sure that you are healing properly and that there are no complications. This will generally include:

• avoiding hard or sticky foods
• practicing good oral hygiene
• attending follow-up appointments

Once your implant has fully healed and your replacement teeth are in place, you can resume life as normal – but now you will have a brand-new smile!