From choosing softer foods, smiling with a closed mouth, or skipping the group photo, many older adults have to rearrange life or skip their favorite foods because of missing or failing teeth. Roughly one in three adults over age 65 have lost six or more teeth, and many more live with the daily friction of partial tooth loss or severe tooth decay. For most of the last century, removable dentures were the only real answer for replacing missing teeth. While dentures served generations well, dental implants have now become the gold standard of restorative dentistry.
Each year, more seniors choose dental implants for the stability and longevity they offer. Continue reading to learn how dental implants compare to dentures, which restorative dental treatment is right for you, and where to find the best dentist in Concord for treatment.
Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
One of the most common questions we get is, “Do dental implants make sense for me when I’m over 60?” Most people are surprised to know that age by itself is not a disqualifier. In fact, patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s successfully get dental implants every year. What actually matters is:
- How dense your jawbone is
- How healthy your gums are
- What your medical history looks like
- Whether your chronic conditions are well controlled
In other words, someone in their 70s with managed blood pressure and no gum disease can be a stronger candidate than someone in their 50s with untreated diabetes. That said, some situations call for more planning. Things that can affect healing from dental implants include those who:
- Have active gum disease
- Smoke
- Take certain medications
- Have uncontrolled chronic illness
Even if one or more of these applies to you, many can be worked around with a phased treatment plan, such as a smoke-free window before surgery, or coordination with your primary care doctor.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Comparing Comfort, Eating, and Daily Life
For most seniors, deciding on a tooth replacement treatment comes down to two choices: Dental implants and dentures. One of the biggest factors for deciding which one is right for you comes down to what fits your lifestyle the best:
- Dental implants restore chewing efficiency to nearly 95% of natural teeth, while traditional dentures typically reach only 10% to 15%.
- Denture wearers usually have to skip eating their favorite foods, like steak, raw apples, corn on the cob, and certain nuts. This can affect both enjoyment and nutrition.
- Dentures rest on the gums and can shift or cause sore spots, sometimes requiring adhesives to stay in place, while dental implants are anchored into the jawbone and stay put without slipping, clicking, or needing glue.
- Daily care is also different. Dentures come out at night for soaking and brushing in a separate cup, while dental implants are cleaned with a regular toothbrush and floss, the same as natural teeth.
For seniors managing arthritis, low vision, or who simply prefer fewer steps in a morning routine, these differences add up quickly.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
Getting dental implants includes using local anesthesia and is less invasive than many people expect, with dental sedation available for patients who want it. The placement of dental implants usually takes about an hour per implant. Most patients describe the experience as less uncomfortable than a tooth extraction, partly because bone has no pain nerves and the gum work is small.
Recovery after getting dental implants is also easier than most expect. Seniors typically get back to normal activity within a day or two, sticking to soft foods for about a week and rinsing gently with warm saltwater. Mild swelling and bruising are common and usually fade within a few days.
Finding the Best Dentist in Concord for Dental Implants
Choosing between implants and dentures is easy when you consider which treatment fits best with your life. While both treatment options are a great solution for missing teeth, dental implants give you the freedom to eat whatever you want, keep your normal oral hygiene routine, and avoid yearly adjustments that are often necessary with dentures.
Those looking for the best dental implant dentist in Concord consistently choose Dr. Alice Huang for a personalized, comfortable, no-rushed experience. At Concord Heritage Dental, we coordinate care with primary care physicians when necessary, and use modern dental technology like 3D dental X-rays and digital dental design to ensure your treatment is successful.
Ready to restore your smile and ability to eat and speak without hesitation with help from the best dental implant dentist in Concord?
