As we age, it’s common to lose one or more teeth. Tooth loss can make it harder to eat, talk, and smile confidently. At Slate Dental, Dr. John Slate understands how important it is for seniors to have healthy, strong teeth. That’s why he provides dental implants for seniors in Washington, DC, as a long-lasting solution for missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts that act like tooth roots. A dentist places the implant into your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over time. Once the implant heals, a crown, bridge, or denture is placed on top. This creates a strong, natural-looking tooth that stays in place.
Dental implants are fixed in place unlike dentures that can slip or feel loose. They let you eat, speak, and smile without worry.
How Dental Implants Benefit Seniors
Dental implants can make a big difference in the lives of seniors. They offer many benefits that go beyond just replacing missing teeth. Here are some of the ways implants can help improve your comfort, health, and confidence:
- Comfort: Dental implants feel and work just like your natural teeth. Because they are placed securely in your jaw, they don’t move around or slip like traditional dentures can. That means no more clicking noises, sore spots, or messy denture glue. You can talk, laugh, and go about your day without worrying about your teeth shifting.
- Confidence: Many seniors feel embarrassed about missing teeth or wearing loose dentures. Dental implants can help you feel proud of your smile again. With implants, you can speak clearly and smile with confidence, knowing your teeth look natural and won’t fall out. This boost in confidence can make social situations and everyday life more enjoyable.
- Bone Health: When a tooth is lost, the bone in your jaw where the tooth used to be can start to shrink. This is called bone loss, and it can make your face look sunken or older over time. Dental implants help prevent bone loss because they act like the root of a real tooth. The implant stimulates the jawbone and keeps it strong and healthy, just like a natural tooth would.
- Better Eating: Many people with missing teeth or loose dentures have trouble chewing food. They may avoid foods they love, like apples, steak, or corn on the cob. Dental implants are strong and stable, so you can eat a wide variety of foods again, even crunchy, chewy, or tough foods. This means better nutrition and more enjoyment at mealtime.
Are Dental Implants Right for Seniors?
Dental implants can be a great choice for many seniors, but knowing if they’re right for you is important. At Slate Dental, we begin by looking at your overall health and the health of your mouth. We want to make sure your gums are healthy and that you have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant. If everything looks good, you may be a great candidate for treatment.
Even if you’ve been told in the past that you don’t have enough bone for implants, there’s still hope. In many cases, we can rebuild the bone using a safe and simple procedure called bone grafting. This helps create a strong base for your implant and increases the chances of success.
Many seniors wear dentures, but they aren’t always comfortable. Dentures can slip, move around, or even fall out when you eat or talk. They may also cause sore spots on your gums. If you’re tired of dealing with these problems, dental implants might be a better option for you.
Some seniors choose to replace one or two missing teeth with single dental implants. Others decide to replace all their teeth with a more stable option called implant-supported dentures. These dentures attach to a few implants placed in your jaw. They snap into place and stay secure all day.
Take the First Step Toward a New Smile
Dental implants may be the right choice if you’re a senior in the Washington, DC area and are missing teeth. At Slate Dental, we want to help you enjoy a healthy, happy smile again.
Call us today at (425) 584-3751. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Slate online.