At the age of 80 years, you are going to face several health issues, out of which losing teeth is a common problem. Missing teeth can lead to difficulties in speaking and chewing. However, there are several teeth replacement treatments available that could help you continue to have a beautiful and natural smile. Out of many therapies, dental implants and dentures are the major.
People are often confused while choosing between the two. The reason behind this is the numerous benefits both dental treatments are serving. However, the ultimate choice depends on individual preferences. Dental implants prove to be permanent solutions with zero maintenance, while dentures need everyday care and maintenance.
Today, this blog will tell you whether 80-year-old seniors should choose dental implants or dentures as their natural teeth replacement.
What is Dental Implant: Understanding its Advantages and Disadvantages
A dental implant is usually a small post that acts as a replacement for the missing teeth. Generally, the dental implant structure consists of an abutment which is used to connect the replacement tooth with the jawline with a screw. Dental implant is said to be one of the most convenient tooth replacement options, especially among senior citizens. It’s majorly because of the several benefits it is having. However, it has some disadvantages too.
Advantages of Dental Implants
The Feeling of Natural Teeth:
As dental implants are directly connected with the jawline, they allow you to have smooth speaking and chewing abilities just like natural teeth do. Moreover, it also eliminates the chance of producing a clicking sound during speaking that we usually hear in the case of artificial teeth.
Easy Maintenance
Maintaining dental implants is very easy. All you need to do is regular brushing and flossing just as you take care of your natural teeth. Besides this, visiting dental implants near you regularly, twice a week, can help you maintain your dental implants perfectly.
Safe for your Neighbouring Teeth
Usually, whenever you fix a new tooth, the neighbouring teeth start getting damaged as a result. But, by fixing the dental implant, your neighbouring teeth remain safe due to the implant’s direct connection with the jawbone.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
Takes Multiple Visits to get Fixed
The dental implant takes a certain amount of time to settle down perfectly into your jawbone. That’s why you might need to visit the dental implants near you multiple times. In short, dental implants will borrow a considerable amount of your time from you.
Includes Several Risks
Though dental implants are highly beneficial for your oral health, they include several risks and complications, especially at the age of 80. Some complications include nerve injuries, bleeding, or any infection.
Costly
If we consider costs, then dental implant surgery can be considered to be a bit costly. But, in terms of life-long happiness, it adds to your teeth, making the huge cost negligible.
What are Dentures: Understanding their Advantages and Disadvantages
Dentures are a set of artificial teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. They are available in two types, namely, full and partial. Full dentures are used to replace the entire jawline by getting fitted on the gums using oral glue, while partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth either on one or both jawlines. For many years, dentures have been considered to be the favourite for many people as they are easy to install. Besides this dentures have several benefits that have been listed below.
Advantages of Dentures
Eliminates the Need for Surgery
Compared to dental implants, installing dentures is very easy. You do not need to undergo surgery to install them. You just need to have a few hours in your hand, and your new smile will be fitted in no time.
Adds a Beautiful and Natural Smile
One of the biggest advantages of dentures is it gets fitted perfectly in your mouth as per the structure of your mouth, which increases the beauty of your overall face naturally.
Cost-Effective
As dentures do not require many accessories, their overall cost is less compared to dental implants. So, installing dentures proves to be a cost-effective measure.
Disadvantages of Dentures
Uncomfortable while Speaking and Chewing
Dentures are going to move a lot while you speak and chew food. So, you need to talk and chew food a bit slowly to avoid the issue. However, it might seem to be uncomfortable in the beginning.
Needs a Lot of Care and Maintenance
Maintaining dentures is a bit tough task. You need to remove them daily before going to sleep in a glass container filled with cold water. Also, they are prone to damage. So, you always need to take care that your denture does not fall as it might get broken very easily.
What Should be Your Choice: Dental Implants or Dentures?
While deciding between dental implants and dentures, you need to look at several factors, especially when you have got the age of 80. The choice depends on the individual’s preferences. Here are some key factors that would help you make a perfect decision:
Health Considerations
As discussed earlier, you cannot opt for dental implant surgery if you are suffering from any health issues like diabetes, as the chances of complications during surgery increase a lot. Having health-related issues at 80 years old is a common thing. So, if you are also suffering from any major health conflicts, dentures prove to be beneficial.
Look upon Your Comfortness
Whether it is a dental implant or a denture, you are the one who is going to wear it for the whole day. So, it completely depends on what you find comfortable. Dentures, because of their frequent moving, might seem to be uncomfortable in the beginning. However, slowing down the speaking and chewing process can make them comfortable.
Consider Your Budget
Cost is a major factor you should consider before opting for any of the teeth replacement processes. Dental implants are a bit costly compared to denture methods. Though its benefits are infinite, so budget is not your constraint; you should opt for dental implant treatment. Otherwise, denture is both a cost-effective and worthy teeth replacement process.
Maintenance Considerations
In the case of dentures, you will need to clean and maintain them regularly. In the case of dental implants, you would not need to look for maintenance as they have a long life. Also, being a senior citizen, you could not bear the trouble of regularly cleaning the dentures. However, the ultimate decision depends on individual preferences.
Final Thoughts
Both dental implants and denture procedure have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. For senior citizens, though the ultimate decision lies on individual preferences, having a dental implant becomes a healthy choice in terms of its long-term benefits and zero maintenance.
However, seeking advice from core dental in Berwick, like Woodleigh Waters Dental Surgery, which is one of the best dentistry clinics near you, can help you out.