Having missing teeth is a common problem senior citizens face. They often wear dentures to compensate, or they simply live with the situation. Fortunately, there is a treatment option that offers seniors an alternative: dental implants.
Why Should Seniors Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer seniors a way to replace their missing teeth without having to wear cumbersome dentures. There are many benefits for seniors who choose dental implants.
- Dental implants fill gaps in the smile where teeth are missing, giving the patient a complete, beautiful smile. Dental implants are more natural-looking and more attractive than dentures.
- When there are gaps in the smile, the remaining teeth can shift, causing uneven wear on the teeth and altering the bite. Dental implants keep the teeth aligned.
- Getting dental implants greatly benefits the patient’s oral health. The tooth’s natural root not only anchors the tooth, but also stimulates the jawbone and promotes bone and gum health. Bone loss can occur when a tooth is missing, but dental implants stimulate the bone just as the natural tooth’s root did.
- Many senior citizens are not satisfied wearing dentures. They often find them to be inconvenient because they have to worry about them falling out or feeling uncomfortable. Dental implants eliminate the need for bulky dentures.
- Dentures have to be replaced every few years, either because they are damaged or because they no longer fit properly. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent. Patients with dental implants enjoy a healthy smile for the rest of their lives.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Getting dental implants is a lengthy process, but it is one that is well worth the time and effort.
- The first step is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Jeff Lynch, our dentist who places implants. During this consultation, Dr. Lynch will conduct an exam and determine whether dental implants are the best option for you. If so, he will make a plan for your procedure.
- The next step is to have the oral surgery to place the implants into the jawbone. Afterward, the bone and the titanium will fuse in a process called osseointegration. This can take 12-16 weeks, but it is necessary to ensure that the implants are stable and permanent.
- Next, Dr. Lynch will create an abutment and attach a crown to the top of each implant. If necessary, any other appliances (bridges, partials, implant-secured dentures) will be placed.
- Patients can use sedation during the oral surgery to make the procedure more pleasant. For dental implants, IV sedation is often the best option because it puts the patient completely to sleep for the duration of the procedure.
A Top Quality Implant Dentist
Patients who get dental implants in our office benefit from the expertise of Dr. Lynch, who has been awarded fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Patients who visit our office in McKinney, TX, can expect top quality care from a team of dental professionals who have years of experience providing dental implants and other procedures.
Dental implants can improve the quality of life for patients of all ages. Call 972-547-6453 to schedule your free dental implant consultation at McKinney Dentist.