Growing old with teeth missing can be such a drag. They make it hard for us to eat, affect the way we talk and sometimes even kill our self-esteem. But not anymore seniors. There is a perfect solution to fill in those gaps – dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are like little screws that act as tooth roots. They get surgically positioned into your jawbone where they fuse with time. An artificial tooth (crown) is then attached onto the implant making it look like a natural strong replacement tooth.

Why Should We Consider Dental Implants When You’re Older?

While dentures and bridges are conventional ways of replacing lost teeth, implants offer certain benefits. This may appeal more to older people:

• Better Chewing: Dentures have a tendency of slipping or becoming loose thus making it hard for one to chew some foods. With an implant you can eat any delicious nutritious meals because they work exactly the same as natural teeth.

• Improved Confidence: A smile that is complete and beautiful can do wonders for self-confidence. These feel and look real so every time you laugh, talk or smile at someone new; expect them to smile right back at you because theirs will be genuine too.

• Bone Conservation: Loss of teeth can cause loss of the jawbone. Nevertheless, it is not so with implants as they stimulate the jawbone thereby averting such a situation and keeping the face healthy in shape.

• Long-Term Option: If taken care properly, implants can last for life which makes them cheaper over time compared to dentures that may require many replacements.

• Enhanced Speech: Occasionally, dentures might affect one’s speech making it sound slurry or mumbled. But with implants; this problem does not exist since they work like real teeth ensuring people speak clearly and confidently.

Am I too old for Shelton dental implants?

The good thing is that generally speaking no. The age limit for receiving an implant is quite high, thus as long as you have reasonably dense bones around your mouth and are in a fairly good health state – there should be nothing stopping you from getting one. In any case though, it would be best if you talk to your Shelton dentist who will evaluate your particular circumstances and tell whether or not getting an implant done would be beneficial in your case.

Expectations During Dental Implant Surgery

Ordinarily, the dental implant procedure involves a few steps:

• Discussion: A specialist will talk to you about your expectations of the treatment, medical background and if you are fit for an implant. Jaw bone health will be determined by taking x-rays or CT scans.

• Surgery to insert the implants: At this point, the screws of the artificial tooth root are fastened into your jawbone during an outpatient operation. You will be given anesthesia so that you don’t feel any pain; however, if necessary sedatives can also be used.

• Waiting for healing: It takes some months for an implant to integrate with a jawbone. During this period, temporary tooth replacements may need to be worn or dietary restrictions recommended.

• Fixing abutment on top of healed implant: After fusion has taken place between the metal post and surrounding tissues – forming one solid structure called osseointegration – then another component known as abutments is connected onto it.

• Affix crown on abutment: A beautiful new smile is created when a false tooth (crown) is attached securely onto connector pieces (abutments) which sit over teeth roots or implants.

Discovering the Best Dentist for Dental Implants in Shelton

When it comes to dental implant treatment, selecting a dentist who is qualified and has experience is paramount. Seek out dentists that have good reputations and offer implants as a service. It may also be helpful to read online reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations.

As a senior citizen living in Shelton, dental implants can greatly enhance your quality of life. They improve eating abilities, speech clarity and self-esteem through an attractive smile. If you are thinking about replacing missing teeth, speak with your dentist about whether this option would work for you. A whiter healthier smile could be just around the corner thanks to modern dental technology.