There are some who might regard dental implants as a treatment that is only suitable for younger people. By ‘younger’, we mean those who are below 60 years of age. The reason for this assumption is likely to be the fact that dental implants are often viewed as a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical one.
As such the desire within certain age groups, to maintain their appearance is regarded as much higher than it might be in retirees and grandparents, for example. Therefore the theory is that the improvement of one’s appearance following the fitting of dental implants is bound to drive the popularity of them in this younger age group.
Whilst this might have some mileage with regards to younger people wanting to look good to attract a partner, the point that it completely misses is that all the benefits that dental implants provide apply every bit as much to the over 60s, as it does to the under 60s. Here is a list from dentists to explain to why anyone aged 60 or higher should consider any of these benefits from dental implants.
Dental Implants Are Long Lasting
Dental Implants Feel Natural
Dental Implants Require Little Maintenance
Dental Implants Look Natural
Dental Implants Restore Your Smile
Dental Implants Improve Your Appearance
Dental Implants Have Minimal Ongoing Costs
Dental Implant Are Secure
Dental Implants Allow You To Eat All Foods
Dental Implants Can Restore Confidence
Dental Implants Improve Your Quality Of Life
Now, nothing on that list of dental implants benefits is something which we would consider as only wanted by or desirable for anyone under the age of 60, and in fact, some are especially applicable to over 60s.
One point we must cover is that the primary role of dental implants is to replace teeth that have fallen out, been damaged, chipped, broken, or have become decayed beyond the point of any chance of restoring it. Now, given that people over 60 have spent a much greater time over many years chewing, drinking, and eating, it is not beyond reason to suggest that they are more likely to have teeth that are past their prime condition.
This is not to say that people over 60 have poor oral hygiene, and indeed many of them have teeth and gums and look as healthy as they may have done 30 years previously. However, we cannot escape the fact that as we grow older, our bodies age too, and as such there are parts of our bodies that decline and deteriorate.
One such part of the body that suffers from our aging is our mouths and in particular our teeth and gums. Even with diligent oral care, we can start to see increasing decay in our teeth, and gums receding. In addition, as we age, cells may not renew as quickly as they did when we are young, body tissue can lose its elasticity, bones can lose density and our immune system may weaken.
The point we are making is that the need for dental implants in those who are over 60, may be even greater due to the dental issues that may occur due to aging, especially with respect to the loss or deterioration of their teeth. With this in mind, many may have sought a solution, with the most common being dentures.
However, dentures do not offer most of the benefits listed above that dental implants can. As such, dental implants can prove to be an excellent investment in one’s own quality of life, especially if we wish to live our senior years knowing that our smiles and appearance are restored, we can eat any food we desire, and that the dental implants we have are likely to last for many years to come.
