Dental implants have changed dentistry in recent years by offering a dependable and permanent way to replace lost teeth. The demand for dental implants in older persons of East Charlotte has grown significantly as the population grows further. This blog will examine how age impacts dental implant care and go over every aspect and adjustment that must be made so that older patients have positive results. Contact a dentist in East Charlotte, NC.
How do age-related factors affect dental implant treatment?
The results and success of dental implant treatment might be significantly affected by age-related factors. Let’s begin by examining a few of these components and their effects on the procedure:
1. Bone density and quality
These two parameters gradually decrease with age. The stability and insertion of dental implants may be affected by osteoporosis, a reduction in bone mass. Because the implant bonds to the jawbone during the osseointegration process, a lower bone density may increase the chance of implant failure or problems.
Bone resorption is another process that could impact osseointegration. The normal process of bone loss over time, known as bone resorption, can have an enormous impact on where dental implants are implanted. Because there is no longer any stimulation after a tooth is removed or pulled, the surrounding bone that once sustained the tooth starts to resorb or shrink.
2. Overall health considerations
When installing dental implants in elderly people, general health factors are very important. Systemic health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis are growing in prevalence as we age. These medical conditions may affect the healing process and the result of dental implant therapy. Drugs used to treat these diseases can also affect how well implants function and how quickly the body heals.
To find potential risks or contraindications, an in-depth examination of the patient’s medical history is necessary. Dentists may improve older individuals’ dental implant insertion safety and success by taking into consideration and controlling these general health factors.
3. General health considerations
When it comes to putting dental implants in elderly people, general health factors are very important. Systemic health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis are more common as we age. These conditions may affect the healing process and the result of dental implant therapy. Drugs used to treat these diseases can also affect how well implants work and the rate at which the body heals.
To find potential risks or contraindications, an in-depth examination of the patient’s medical history is needed. Dentists may improve older individuals’ dental implant insertion safety and success by taking into consideration and managing these general health factors.
4. Oral health issues
The placement of dental implants could be significantly affected by age-related oral health issues. Periodontal disease, which is more common as people age, is one of the most common conditions. The supporting tissues surrounding natural teeth and implants can break down due to periodontitis, which is typified by gum inflammation and bone loss.
To guarantee a healthy and stable oral environment, periodontal disease must be diagnosed and managed before starting implant treatment. Moreover, elderly persons may have had significant dental work or tooth loss over time, which can lead to damaged oral structures or insufficient bone volume.
5. Medications
The placement of dental implants may be affected by some drugs administered to older persons. Medications like immunosuppressants, blood thinners, and bisphosphonates are frequently used to treat a number of illnesses in the elderly. For example, taking blood thinners may raise the risk of bleeding after implant surgery, requiring extra attention and consultation with the patient’s physician.
Conclusion
In short, geriatric dentistry helps older persons preserve their general well-being and health by educating them about good dental hygiene and safety precautions. Older people can live without dental problems because of geriatric dentistry. Older patients’ lives can be improved, and successful outcomes are ensured by dental implant dentists who consider age-related variables. Never be afraid to investigate dental implants if you are an older adult thinking about improving your oral well-being and standard of life.