As we age, we develop a variety of oral health problems. Thus, it is essential to provide additional care and attention to our teeth and gums later to maintain their appearance and health.
While conditions have improved significantly from a century ago, when complete dentures were the norm, most seniors in the U.S still have higher rates of tooth loss, gum disease, tooth decay, oral infections, and oral infections than the general population.
At Major Dental Clinics, we focus on preventive dental treatments to maintain oral health. However, we also know that there are times when patients may need dentures or implants to replace deteriorated or missing teeth. Here we look at various modern dental treatments for common age-related dental issues.
Teeth and Age- The Changes That Take Place
The truth is that our gums and teeth do alter significantly as we age. Consider some of these different ways your teeth change as we age and what you can do to help maintain a healthy smile for the duration of your life:
- Wearing down
- Discoloration
- Gum recession
- Smaller nerves in the teeth
- Increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss
Maintenance drugs can also affect oral health. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many of these medications. Since saliva helps prevent tooth decay over time, dry mouth can cause deterioration in the teeth.
Solutions To Common Dental Problems
Every person has different oral conditions, and even when they have similar dental issues, the dentist may suggest specific solutions. Here we look at what they are:
- Implants
- An implant is a titanium “root” fitted into the jawbone. Once its surrounding bone matter adheres to and fuses with the root, the prosthodontist will then fit a permanent hybrid prosthesis/crown on top of it. The implants we at Major Dental provide patients are made using modern materials and techniques in advanced labs. These implants require minimal care and last for decades.
- Dentures
- Most people believe that dentures are helpful only for replacing a full set of teeth. However, you can also get partial dentures to fill in these gaps. Removable partial dentures help fill spaces created by missing teeth. They fill out your smile while ensuring you can chew your food well. You can choose from a range of partial dentures, which are different from fixed partials and bridges.
- Fixed Dentures/ Implant Dentures
- Most people know about removable dentures, but they don’t understand that they do not halt bone loss. However, it is possible to permanently replace your complete set of teeth while preventing bone loss. Implant dentures or fixed dentures are fixed in your jaw, anchored firmly into existing living bone tissue.
These implants provide the support and stimulation required to prevent bone loss. The implant fuses with the bone as the titanium implant has notable bone-loving (osseophilic) properties.
Because they provide firm anchorage, the implants create a solid foundation for fixed full or partial dentures. All-on-4 implants hold a complete set of lower/upper replacement teeth. When the dentures are attached to the implants, you won’t have to worry about them loosening or slipping. It means you can speak normally, eat the foods you like, and more without worrying about using denture adhesives and creams.
Benefits of Fixed Dentures
Individuals that opt for fixed dentures instead of removable ones report that the former feels more like natural teeth, improving their quality of life. Contrastingly, people that opt for lower removable dentures state that the comfort and stability levels are not up to the mark. Although the upfront costs of implant-supported teeth are higher, they prove an excellent long-term investment, as you don’t need to replace or remake them.
It is essential to recognize that not every person is a candidate for dental implants. When you come to us with your requirements for replacements for your missing natural teeth, our skilled and qualified will assess your oral condition and determine whether your jawbone is firm and dense enough to support fixed dentures. They will also consider your medical history before recommending dental implants.
Our prosthodontists have experience in various modern techniques, including dental implants, reconstructive and esthetic dentistry. Major Dental Clinics’ offices are very conveniently located in the Milwaukee and Chicago Metropolitan areas. For more details about our services, please schedule an appointment by filling this form, and one of our front staff members will call you shortly to confirm it.