Senior citizens face many problems after they begin losing their teeth, dental implants in the elderly have proved to be an effective solution.
You can say that dental implants have completely transformed the treatment options for those with missing teeth.
However, the procedure is very expensive in nations like the US and UK, thus leading to many senior citizens traveling abroad for dental implants.
Read below to know the why behind it.
Dental Implants in Senior Citizens
Dentures vs Dental Implants
The first option given to elderly people when they start losing their teeth is a denture. A denture is an artificial prosthesis made up of false teeth.
It sits on a pink acrylic base that resembles natural gums.
Dentures are customized for a person’s mouth. However, senior citizens face a lot of issues with dentures, such as: [1]
It slips off while eating, talking, coughing, or sneezing
These need to be re-fitted frequently or replaced completely
They have a greater chance of breaking from the impact of a fall
They rub against the soft gums in the mouth, causing sores and ulcers
To overcome these drawbacks of dentures, dental implants play a pivotal role
A dental implant is a screw-like metal fixture. It resembles an artificial tooth root and is fixed into the jawbone through a surgical process.
Dental implants are an excellent teeth replacement option for elderly patients because:
They help preserve the jawbone over time
They are fixed in the mouth so your chewing abilities improve
With standard oral hygiene practices, last for a good 15-20 years
Shape and color of implant components can be matched exactly to natural teeth so they look very natural
Source: NCBI [2]
Are Elderly Patients Good Candidates for Dental Implants?
Dental implants can be successfully placed in elderly patients with reduced bone density or bone mass.
The healing process is just as predictable as that of a younger person.
In short, they are a safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment option for teeth loss in the elderly.
Dental implants for older adults are ideal because:
Implants are fixed so there is a less choking hazard, unlike partial dentures or a crown and bridge
There is less risk of infection or gums sores, which are painful and take longer to heal in the elderly
Patients can eat a nutrient-rich diet composed of different textured foods without worrying about the implant coming off
Dental Implants for Senior Citizens
Assessing the quality and quantity of available bone is crucial for successful osseointegration (fusion of the implant with bone).
The bone density affects the implant healing process and eventually the implant stability [3]
If the bone quantity is insufficient, surgeons can use several approaches to ensure the successful placement of implants for elderly patients, such as:
- Using short implants
- Bone augmentation with graft materials
- Sinus lift procedure (without grafting)
Source: NCBI [4]
Dental implants for senior citizens are placed by specialist dental surgeons through a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
In the first 24-48 hours after surgery, patients may experience:
- minimal skin bruising
- moderate pressure or pain
- swelling at the implant site
- Inability to eat regular foods
Source: NCBI [5]
However, these symptoms resolve quickly 3-4 days post-surgery as the implant settles down in the new body.
Types of Dental Implants for Elderly People
For one missing tooth replacement, the best solution is a single titanium or zirconium dental implant.
However, in the case of multiple missing or no teeth, the following options are recommended.
All on 4 Implants
The all-on-4 technique uses 4 dental implants to replace an entire upper or lower set of missing teeth.
This type of implant is ideal for those that do not have sufficient bone to support conventional dental implants. [6]
It is a popular treatment option.
All on 6 Implants
The all-on-6 technique uses 6 dental implants to replace the entire set of upper or lower missing teeth.
It is done when relatively more bone mass is available for implant placement.
This leads to a stronger and stable anchorage for the prosthesis.
All on 8 Implants
The all-on-8 technique uses 8 dental implants to replace an entire set of upper or lower missing teeth.
It is generally performed when patients have poor jawbone density and need a stronger anchorage.
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Cost Of Dental Implants For Elderly People
Dental treatment abroad provides a ray of hope to those seeking high-quality and reasonable dental implants.
Below you can find the average cost of dental implants for senior citizens in various countries.
Average Cost of Dental Implants for Senior Citizens (USD)
| Country | Titanium Implant | All-on-4 |
| Mexico | $790 – $1,290 | $8,250 – $12,475 |
| Costa Rica | $850 – $1,250 | $8,500 – $12,750 |
| Colombia | $675 – $900 | $5,000 – $8,200 |
| USA | $5,000 – $7,000 | $24,000 – $26,000 |
| Canada | $4,600 – $6,500 | $22,000 – $24,000 |
Average Cost of Dental Implants for Senior Citizens (EUR)
| Country | Titanium Implant | All-on-4 |
| Turkey | €320 – €9,00 | €3,300 – €4,900 |
| Hungary | €700 – €900 | €4,700 – €6,750 |
| Bulgaria | $540 – $1,250 | $2,900 – $3,500 |
| Romania | €660 – €1,030 | €3,900 – €4,500 |
| Croatia | €580 – €1,200 | €4,300 – €8,000 |
| UK | €2,000 – €2,900 | €13,000 – €14,500 |
Average Cost of Dental Implants for Senior Citizens (AUD)
| Country | Titanium Implant | All-on-4 |
| Thailand | $1,000 – $3,050 | $10,100 – $12,900 |
| Vietnam | $930 – $2,200 | $7,700 – $13,200 |
| Philippines | $1,400 – $1,460 | $7,300 – $9,950 |
| Cambodia | $1,300 – $1,600 | $10,600 – $11,950 |
| India | $370 – $1,100 | $2,250 – $11,150 |
| Australia | $7,300 – $7,500 | $23,500 – $30,000 |
Price may vary with the complexity of each case
No dental insurance?
Don't worry, we got you!Conclusion
It is widely believed that senior citizens are not the right candidates for receiving dental implants, and they must only rely on removable dentures after losing their teeth.
But the idea that the old cannot receive dental implants is only a misconception.
In fact, dental implants do not really have any upper age limit.
There are just a set of basic health requirements, which, if fulfilled, make the patient fit to receive an implant.
DentaVacation facilitates affordable dental treatments at various destinations across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Implants are a perfectly safe and effective teeth replacement for elderly patients.
A full set of teeth can be placed using just 4 implants in older adults with less bone density or bone mass.
Implants in the elderly are equally long-lasting and show predictable results.
Absolutely not! As long as you are healthy, you are never too old for a dental implant, even if you are 80 or 90.
In fact, dental implants in old age can improve your quality of life and provide the comfort of natural teeth.
