Are implants a disadvantage in old age? What you need to know to eliminate worry.
Doctor, I heard that implants are hard to maintain and should not be put in for old age.
Is the treatment that disadvantageous in old age?
Certainly, I have heard that opinion.
When you think about your old age, you may be wondering what kind of prosthetic treatment you should get when you lose a tooth.
This time,I will discuss the disadvantages and advantages in old age of having implants placed while young!
Are implants a disadvantage in old age?
Implants are said to have a disadvantage compared to bridges and dentures because they require mandatory maintenance, which is difficult to keep up with even in old age.
However, compared to the choice of bridges or dentures,The disadvantages of implants in old age are not the only significant disadvantages.
The reason for this is that it is not only implants that require maintenance.
Implants should be cleaned regularly by a dentist to prevent peri-implantitis.
Peri-implantitis is an inflammation of the gums and implant-supporting bone caused by dental stains around the implant.
As the disease progresses, the bone supporting the implant will disappear and the implant will fall out.
Therefore,Maintenance is essential for anyone with implants to prevent peri-implantitis.
So what about bridges and dentures?
Bridges require regular maintenance because of the risk of gum inflammation and decay of the supporting teeth due to staining that builds up along the gum line and under dummy teeth.
Dentures also become unusable if the supporting teeth are not maintained, and both partial and full dentures become unusable due to odors and stains if they are not cared for and adjusted to fit the mouth.
In other words,Whether the treatment of choice for missing teeth is implants, bridges, or dentures, maintenance is necessary.It is.
It can be said that the disadvantages of implants alone are not significant in old age.
Whether the disadvantages of implants in old age are greater depends on the dentist.
Since implants are not covered by insurance, they are not a treatment that every dentist can provide like bridges or dentures covered by insurance.
Therefore, whether it is possible to place implants that will remain stable and usable in old age,It is important that the manufacturer of the implants the dentist is dealing with is reliable and well equipped.It is.
Because there are many different manufacturers of implants, implants from inexpensive and unreliable manufacturers can quickly fall out and become unusable.
When choosing a dentist for implant treatment,
- Do you have a dental CT?
- Is the implant manufacturer reliable?
- Is guided surgery being performed?
- Do they have a large number of implant cases?
- Is there a warranty on the implants?
It is a good idea to check these before proceeding with the contract.
Advantages that people with implants can gain in old age
We have discussed the disadvantages of implants, but if you lose a tooth and get an implant while you are young, you can benefit from the following in your old age.
- Chew food well even in old age
- Chewing can lower the risk of dementia.
- Easier to maintain a beautiful mouth because the jawbone is less likely to lose weight.
- Less discomfort because the structure is similar to natural teeth
Chew food well even in old age
Implants are,They are the most secure artificial teeth compared to bridges or dentures.
If the chewing force of natural teeth is 100%, the chewing force of each artificial tooth is,
- Implant → 70-85%.
- Bridge → 60-70%.
- Partial dentures → 30-40
- Full dentures → 10-20
The first two are the following.
A stand-alone implant is almost identical in structure to a natural tooth, making it easier to maintain chewing strength.
For those who want to chew food well into old age, implants are recommended.
Chewing can lower the risk of dementia.
Chewing stimulation activates the brain and decreases the risk of dementia.
The risk of developing dementia is said to be up to 1.9 times greater in people who have lost their teeth and reduced chewing ability.
Maintaining a mouth that can chew hard as well as soft foods has a significant impact on healthy life expectancy in old age.
Implants are less likely to cause loss of chewing ability, which also reduces the risk of dementia.
Easier to maintain a beautiful mouth because the jawbone is less likely to lose weight.
The jawbone becomes thinner, thinner and smaller with the loss of teeth, and the mouth tends to lose its firmness, giving the impression of aging.
If you lose a tooth at a young age,The placement of implants can prevent future bone loss in the jaw.
When the jawbone is less likely to lose weight, it is easier to maintain the firmness of the mouth and look more youthful in old age.
Less discomfort because the structure is similar to natural teeth
Because single implants and natural teeth are similar in structure,It allows for a firm bite with minimal discomfort and a beautiful appearance.
Another major advantage is that implants can be placed without having to cut down healthy teeth like bridges, so there is no need to damage remaining teeth.
In addition, they do not shift during conversation or eating like dentures.
However, if you have lost three or more teeth, a bridge-type or denture-type artificial tooth may be used as a foundation for the implant, so consult with your dentist to determine what form of implant will be used.
Implants are not the only disadvantage in old age.
It is said that implants are difficult to maintain, which is a major disadvantage in old age.
However, bridges and dentures also quickly become useless without regular maintenance.
Implants are a treatment that allows the patient to chew better with less discomfort because they have almost the same structure as natural teeth.
The disadvantages of implants compared to bridges and dentures are not the only ones that are significant, so consider the advantages and treatment costs to choose the right treatment for you.
In 365dentist,
- Consultation via dentist-run open chat
- Helping you find the right dentist for you
- Useful columns about the mouth
to support your oral health and beauty!
If you are considering dental implants and have concerns, please feel free to contact us first via our dentist-operated open chat!
RELATED:What is the difference between implants, bridges and dentures? Gently explained.
RELATED:How much does one implant cost? How much do implants cost and how to find a good clinic?
Graduated from Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, ~2018 Kyushu Medical Center, 2018-present Working at a dental clinic in Tokyo
After completing clinical training, worked in cosmetic dentistry in Tokyo. Currently a dentist and dental writer.
Japanese 
English