As we age, our dental needs evolve. Seniors, in particular, face unique challenges when it comes to oral health care, including missing teeth, dry mouth, and tooth decay. Due the prevalence of partial or full edentulism (missing teeth), one significant advancement that has greatly benefited the elderly is dental implants. This post will explore the importance of dental implants and general dental care for seniors, offering insights into how these innovations can enhance the quality of life.
Dental Considerations for Seniors:
- Regular Check-ups and Hygiene: The regular care of brushing, flossing, and regular visits are more important than ever. If the dentist sees signs of periodontal disease they may have you come in more often for cleanings. This is crucial since gum disease affects 70.1% of adults 65 years and older.
- Addressing Dry Mouth: A common issue in seniors, often caused by medications, dry mouth can increase the risk of decay and gum disease.
- Managing Existing Health Conditions: Some health conditions, like diabetes, can impact oral health. Effective management of these conditions is essential.
- Edentulism: The CDC reports that 17% of those over 65 are missing all of their teeth. The percentage of those missing at least one tooth is much higher.
The Growing Need for Dental Implants in Seniors:
With age, the risk of tooth loss increases due to various factors like gum disease, decay, or simply natural wear and tear. Dental implants offer a durable and functional solution, replacing missing teeth and preventing bone loss, a common issue with traditional dentures.
Why Dental Implants?
- Improved Oral Health: Unlike dentures, implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Enhanced Comfort and Stability: Implants eliminate the discomfort and instability associated with even the most comfortable dentures.
- Better Eating and Speaking: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing for a more varied diet and clearer speech.
- Longevity and Aesthetics: Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintain the natural appearance of your smile.
Considering Dental Implants:
Before deciding on implants, seniors should consult with their dentist. Ideal candidates are those with good overall health, adequate bone density, and no serious oral health issues. It’s important to consider factors like healing time and the cost, which might be higher than other dental solutions.
Managing Senior Dental Care Costs on a Fixed Income:
Dental care, particularly advanced treatments like implants, can be costly, and this is a significant concern for seniors living on a fixed income. Here are some strategies to manage these expenses:
- Dental Insurance: Seniors should explore dental insurance options, including Medicare Advantage plans that offer dental coverage. The team at our dental office in Auburn will help you maximize your coverage in order to reduce out-of-pocket expense.
- Payment Plans and Financing: Many dental offices, like our dental office in Auburn, offer payment plans or financing options for treatments like dental implants to spread the cost over time.
- Discount Dental Plans: These plans offer discounts on various dental services for an annual fee.
- Government and Community Programs: Some government programs and community health centers provide dental services at reduced rates for seniors.
- Prioritizing Dental Care: Working with a dentist to prioritize treatments can help manage costs effectively, focusing on the most necessary procedures first.
- University Dentistry: Universities often offer affordable dental care for seniors and others on low or fixed income. Though the quality of work there would not be as good as you would get from an experienced dentist.
If you are a senior that lives in Auburn and are looking for a dentist that specializes in caring for the elderly please call our dental office for a consultation. Our dental office has four prosthodontists on staff that specialize in caring for seniors and patients with missing teeth, helping them restore oral function.