It used to be quite common for older people to wear dentures; tooth loss was sort of accepted as a normal part of again. However, as dental technology has advanced, as well as increased awareness of the importance of oral hygiene, it is now entirely possible for a person to keep their natural teeth for their entire adult life.
It is undeniable that your mouth will experience changes as you age. Saliva production can slow down; also, certain medications an elderly person will take can contribute to dry mouth. Taste buds may become less sensitive, leading the person to add an excessive amount of salt or sugar to their diet, which could negatively impact their oral and overall health. In addition, as patients age they may find they have less energy and may struggle with isolation or depression, which can make it difficult to maintain regular dental appointments and proper oral health care.
If a person is over the age of 60 and still has all of their natural teeth, we will work with them on care and prevention to ensure that they are able to keep their teeth healthy and intact for years to come. During the aging process, tooth enamel tends to wear away, which makes the teeth more susceptible to damage and decay. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the elderly. It is therefore critical that elderly patients maintain regular visits to keep any issues in check before they worsen.
If patients are already missing some or all of their teeth, there are a number of options and alternatives to full dentures available. At BC Perio, we specialize in dental implants as well as a revolutionary treatment known as Teeth in One Day. If the patient is only missing a single tooth on one or both jawbones, dental implants are a great solution. Not only will the tooth blend in and look natural, having an implant in place will prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and the jaw from subsequently shifting.
Teeth in One Day a simplified solution for patients who have lost all of most of their teeth. This aesthetic fullarch rehabilitation provides you with teeth you can chew with – in just one day. Whereas older style removable dentures can slip around and shift, Teeth in One Day is a permanent solution that is fixed in place using a set of four dental implants. The Teeth in One Day procedure has demonstrated consistently good clinical outcomes for patients of all ages.
Our dedicated team of specialists and experts are here to help you through all stages of your life. As you age, you deserve to have all aspects of your health taken care of. Since oral health impacts so many facets of your life, it should be a main priority. Call us to book a consultation today to talk about how we can assist you in maintaining a healthy smile during your golden years.