Dental emergencies often happen unexpectedly, especially among the elderly, creating an urgent need for solutions. Thankfully, dental implants offer a permanent way to restore smiles. Knowing the steps involved in getting dental implants and the expected outcomes is essential. Begin your online research today to discover how to provide the elderly with durable and natural-looking teeth.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a sturdy foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, offering both functionality and aesthetics.
Many seniors opt for dentures instead of dental implants because dentures can provide a full mouth of replacement teeth at an affordable price. However, dental implants offer several benefits that dentures cannot match:
•Natural Look and Feel: Dental implants provide teeth that look and feel natural. The replacement teeth feel like your own and are indistinguishable from your other teeth.
•Comfort and Convenience: Unlike dentures, implants offer more comfort and customization without the uncomfortable fit or pain. There’s no need to remove them at night for soaking or to apply adhesives or creams.
•Preventing Bone Loss: Dental implants help stabilize the jaw and prevent bone loss, which can occur when a tooth is lost and the underlying bone starts to be reabsorbed by the body.
Several scenarios might require seniors to seek dental implants urgently:
•Accidents or Trauma: Sudden impacts can cause tooth loss, necessitating immediate replacement.
•Severe Tooth Decay: Extensive decay can lead to tooth loss, requiring a swift solution to restore oral function.
•Failed Dental Work: Previous dental procedures like crowns or bridges may fail, leading to the need for implants.
•Infections: Severe infections might necessitate tooth extraction and prompt replacement with implants.
Making Dental Implants Affordable
While the cost of a single implant ranges from $1,500 to $6,700, there are ways to make dental implants more affordable for seniors:
• Insurance: Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans can offer dental insurance, even though Medicare doesn’t cover dental expenses.
• Dental Savings Plans: For a small annual fee, these plans can provide savings of 10 to 60 percent on dental procedures like implants.
• Discount Services: Services like Groupon can offer dental implants at up to 60% off the regular price, depending on your location.
By following these guidelines, you can efficiently find a qualified dentist, understand the implant procedure, and take advantage of cost-saving options to restore your smile and oral functionality.
Dental implants offer seniors a better option than dentures, delivering a natural look, improved comfort, and protection against bone loss. By understanding the implant procedure, quickly locating a qualified dentist, and considering affordable solutions, seniors can efficiently regain their smiles and oral functionality. Seeking timely dental care ensures that urgent needs are met, allowing seniors to enjoy the long-lasting advantages of dental implants.
