As people age, they may start to lose their teeth. It can happen for various reasons, including gum disease, tooth decay, or injury. When a person loses all of their teeth, it is called edentulism. This article will discuss teeth replacement options like full mouth dental implants for older people.
Old Age Teeth Replacement
If you are an older person with teeth that are no longer in good enough shape to function properly, you may be considering getting teeth replacements. It can be a difficult decision, as there are many factors to consider and the cost can be high. Here are some things to think about when deciding to get teeth replacements.
There are two main types of teeth replacements: dentures and implants. Dentures are the more traditional option and have been around for centuries. Dentures are removable — you can take them out at night or when eating. Implants are more expensive but are also more permanent. The dentist in Hawthorn will surgically implant them into the jawbone and function just like natural teeth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Each Option
While there are many benefits to replacing missing or damaged teeth, there also have some potential drawbacks to consider.
Benefits of Teeth Replacement
There are several benefits of teeth replacement for seniors, including:
1. Improved Appearance: Teeth replacement can help restore your smile and give you back the confidence that comes with having a full set of healthy teeth.
Teeth replacement can help to restore your smile and give you back the confidence that comes with having a full set of healthy teeth.
2. Improved chewing and speaking: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew your food properly, leading to digestive problems. Additionally, it can be challenging to speak clearly when you have missing teeth. Teeth replacement can help you to chew and speak more effectively.
3. Improved oral health: The surrounding teeth can shift out of place when teeth are missing. It can lead to further tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth replacement can help to keep your teeth in their proper position and improve your overall oral health.
4. Improved self-esteem: For many seniors, missing teeth can lead to feelings of embarrassment and low self-esteem. Teeth replacement can help you feel better about yourself and improve your quality of life.
Drawbacks of Teeth Replacement
There are also some potential drawbacks to teeth replacement, including:
1. Cost: Teeth replacement can be costly, especially if you need multiple teeth replaced. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost can be even more prohibitive. In most cases, dental insurance does not cover teeth replacement. Instead, it covers other restoration aspects like the dental bridge and dental crown. However, it is advisable to consult your dental insurance company to get more information.
2. Time: The procedure can take several weeks to complete, and you may need to wear temporary teeth during that time. Also, the effects of the surgery may take time to heal.
3. Pain: There can be some discomfort associated with the procedure, and you may need to take pain medication for a short period after the surgery.
4. Infection: You risk getting an infection, especially if you had an inexperienced doctor handle your surgery. Aside from infections, you are also at risk of damaging other teeth. Jaw fractures, delayed healing, and nerve damage are also complications that may arise.
Ensure you do a background check on any dental clinic you want to visit. An experienced doctor will ensure that you are in safe hands.
5. Rejection: In some cases, the body may reject the new teeth, and the dentist may need to remove them.
Before you decide to have teeth replacement surgery, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks to see if it’s the right decision. If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, find a reputable dentist who has experience with teeth replacement surgery.
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