Due to advancements in medicine people in the UK generally are living longer and this is having the effect that more people are looking for long term solutions to missing teeth. In the past dentures would have been the obvious solution but many denture wearers experience painful mouths with dentures that refuse to stay in place no matter how much dental adhesive is applied. Also, with living longer comes the fact that many people are entering into new relationships later in life, and let’s face it, removing your teeth at night, can be a bit of a passion killer. The interest in dental implants in Richmond is escalating and here at Sheen Dental we’re always being asked whether a person is too old for a dental implant, and the answer is no.
Aside from being uncomfortable and inconvenient, dentures don’t address the problems which occur when a tooth or teeth are missing. When a tooth falls out or is extracted, over time the bone begins to shrink and this is why dentures that once felt snug, start to move around as the jawbone alters in shape. The good news is that dental implants help to prevent bone loss since they actively encourage the growth of new bone and gum tissue through the very action of biting and chewing.
We’ve placed dental implants in patients as old as 90 and with great success. In fact, most patients find their overall well being improves because with dental implants they can eat a more varied diet which includes more nutritious food that typically requires greater effort to chew such as raw vegetables, nuts and meat. This in turn means better digestion.
The dental implant procedure depends on there being sufficient bone and bone density in order to place the implant securely. However, in some cases we can recommend bone grafting using bone taken from the patient’s own body or in alternative cases mini dental implants may be a solution. Every case is different and an initial consultation will be necessary before any decisions can be reached. A person’s overall health will be considered as well as their medical background and their oral health. They also need to understand that the success of the dental implant isn’t purely down to the surgeon. They need to be committed to following procedures before, during and after the implant has been placed to give it the best possible chance of being successful.
If you’d like to learn more having a dental implant in Richmond and find out if you are a suitable candidate, then why not give us a call. We’re pleased to offer a free consultation where you can ask questions, meet the team, and check out our state of the art facilities. Call on 020 8876 5277 or visit our website at www.sheendental.co.uk. You’re never too old to start enjoying life to the full.