Embrace a healthy smile at every age!

At Market Street Family Dentist, we believe that age should not be a barrier to achieving optimal dental health and a beautiful smile. For seniors in Troy, IL, dental implants offer a revolutionary solution to restore both function and aesthetics to their smiles. Our experienced dental team, led by the proficient hands of our Troy dentists, Dr. Moody and Dr. Petrich, is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care, ensuring that our senior patients receive the best possible treatment tailored to their unique needs.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are state-of-the-art dental devices designed to replace missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the tooth root. This post bonds with the bone tissue, creating a sturdy foundation for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are renowned for their durability and natural appearance, making them an ideal choice for long-term tooth replacement.

Resolving Dental Issues with Implants

Dental implants are particularly beneficial for seniors who face various dental issues due to age, such as:

1. Tooth Loss: Implants provide a permanent solution for missing teeth, unlike dentures that can be uncomfortable and less stable.
2. Bone Loss Prevention: By integrating with the jawbone, implants stimulate bone growth, preventing the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
3. Improved Functionality: They restore the ability to chew and speak with ease, enhancing overall quality of life.
4. Oral Health Maintenance: Implants do not require altering adjacent teeth, as in the case of a dental bridge, thus preserving more of the patient’s natural tooth structure.

Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors

The advantages of dental implants for seniors are extensive:

• Enhanced Comfort and Confidence: Implants feel and function like natural teeth, boosting self-esteem and comfort.
• Ease of Oral Hygiene: Unlike removable dentures, implants allow for easier cleaning and maintenance, promoting better oral hygiene.
• Dietary Freedom: With implants, seniors can enjoy a wider range of foods, including those necessary for proper nutrition.
• Longevity: Dental implants offer a durable solution, often lasting a lifetime with proper care.
• Aesthetic Appeal: They provide a natural-looking solution, enhancing the overall appearance of a senior’s smile.

Types Of Implants We Provide To Senior Patients

At Market Street Family Dentist in Troy, IL, we recognize that each senior patient has unique dental needs. Therefore, we offer a range of implant types:

1. Single Tooth Implants: These are ideal for seniors who are missing one tooth. A single implant post is inserted into the jawbone and topped with a custom-made dental crown. This option blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth.
2. Implant-Supported Bridges: For seniors missing several teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges are an excellent option. Unlike traditional bridges, these do not require grinding down adjacent teeth, as the bridge is supported by implants placed in the jawbone.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures: Designed for seniors missing most or all of their teeth, these dentures are anchored securely to the jawbone with implants. They provide a more stable and comfortable fit than traditional dentures, reducing the risk of slipping and improving chewing efficiency.
4. All-on-4® Implants: This innovative approach involves placing four implants in the jawbone, which support a full arch of teeth. It’s an efficient solution for seniors needing extensive tooth replacement, offering a fixed and more natural-feeling alternative to traditional dentures.
5. Mini Dental Implants: These are smaller than traditional implants and can be a good option for seniors with insufficient bone density to support standard implants. Mini implants require a less invasive procedure and shorter healing time.

Exploring Potential Risks and Considerations

While dental implants have a high success rate, it’s important for seniors to be aware of potential risks:

• Infection at the Implant Site: Like any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection at the site where the implant is placed. This risk can be minimized with proper sterile techniques during the procedure and good oral hygiene afterward.
• Insufficient Bone Density: For an implant to be successful, there needs to be enough healthy bone to hold it in place. Seniors with decreased bone density might require bone grafting procedures before they can have implants.
• Nerve Damage: Although rare, there’s a slight risk of nerve damage during the implant surgery, which can lead to numbness or tingling in the mouth.
• Implant Failure: While dental implants have a high success rate, they can fail to integrate with the bone properly, especially in cases of poor oral hygiene or smoking.
• Medical Conditions: Certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, and medications can affect the healing process and might contraindicate the use of dental implants.
• Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the success of dental implants. Failure to do so can lead to peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease, which can lead to the failure of the implant.

Alternative Tooth Replacement Solutions

For seniors for whom dental implants may not be suitable, Market Street Family Dentist offers various alternatives:

• Traditional Dentures: These are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and are less invasive than implants. They are often more affordable but may require adjustments over time for a proper fit.
• Fixed Bridges: These can be an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. The bridge is anchored to the adjacent teeth, which need to be prepared to support the bridge.
• Partial Dentures: Suitable for seniors who still have some of their natural teeth. These removable appliances are less invasive and can be a cost-effective solution.
• Dental Flippers: These are temporary partial dentures that can be used while waiting for a more permanent solution like a dental implant or a bridge.

Embrace a Renewed Smile With Dental Implants For Seniors

At Market Street Family Dental in Troy, IL, we are committed to guiding our senior patients through these choices to find the best solution for their individual needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how we can help you achieve a comfortable, functional, and beautiful smile.