Are Dental Implants Beneficial for Older People?

“Old people takes time to recover so it might cause them more harm than good.”

This is the prevailing thought that the general public has when it comes to discussion about people aged 50 and above getting dental implants. They also think that those who belong to the older generation won’t benefit from the said procedure as much as younger individuals.

Seasoned dentist and TMJ specialist, Dr. Edward Beduya, discusses the many reasons why it’s great for elderlies to get dental implants. He also lays down some useful information anyone considering of getting the service should know prior to booking that dental appointment.

  1. Safe Even for the Older Generation. “While it is true that older people recover slower to, say someone in their 20s, it does not mean that it would take them a significant amount of time before they can resume their daily routines,” explains Dr. Beduya. “It will usually take them three to five days to recover from this minor surgery. During this time, their doctor might ask them to take extra care when it comes to performing certain tasks, but that’s really it. There are cases when a patient has to heal for two to three months before the doctor can support the new set of teeth, but those are special cases.”
  2. Provide Many Benefits for Older People. Dr. Beduya says that aside from aesthetics, getting implants can help older people live fuller lives by helping them have better oral functions. In other words, the ability to speak, chew and move their mouth easily and comfortably. Additionally, it also helps protect against bone loss, and, in some cases, may also help correct the position of the jaw and help reduce back and neck pain.
  3. Suitable for the Lifestyle of the Elderly. “Dental implants require minimal care,” shares Dr. Beduya. “And they cannot get destroyed by cavities, which makes them perfect for elderlies.”
  4. Osteoporosis is Not an Issue. According to Dr. Beduya, he has helped many elderly patients with osteoporosis by implanting them with new teeth, and as far as his—and the medical field’s—experience is concerned, the disease should not affect the outcome of the treatment.
  5. There are Risk Factors to Consider. “Although generally, if the patients is in good health, then it should be OK to perform implants. However, there are red flags that give us concern and may stop us from providing a patient with the treatment altogether. Most common risk factors are decompensated diabetes, heavy smoking and history of intravenous bisphosphonates. It is very important that patients are 100% honest with their doctors to avoid complications and ensure the safety and success of the treatments,” adds. Dr. Beduya.

Dr. Edward Beduya is an experienced dental implant dentist and TMJ-specialist. He is known for providing customized solutions that address not just the immediate but also the long-term dental care needs of his patients. To know more about him or to book a consultation, you may call (02) 354-5388 or send an email to admin@beduyadental.com today.