If you are in the 65 and over age group, or headed in that direction in the near future, you are in a rapidly growing segment of “older” adults. Although being over 65 years old once projected an image of rocking chairs and soaking “false” teeth in a glass at night, times have changed.
According to the Center for Elders and the Courts:
Today, older Americans are generally healthier, more educated, more financially secure, and more active than previous generations. Life expectancy continues to increase—the Census Bureau estimates that the number of centenarians in the United States is doubling every decade.
Take the growing popularity of pickleball, for instance. While players aged 18 – 34 were the second largest age bracket (18.5%) of total participants, the largest age bracket of pickleball players (in 2021) were the 55 and over segment at 19.8% of total participants.
Along with remarkable developments in medical technology and lifestyle improvements (such as the declining use of cigarettes), being active and staying healthy is a key reason for our rapidly growing “older” age group.
From 2010 to 2020, the 65-plus population experienced its:
Regardless, the aging process comes with physical challenges, such as aching joints, waning eyesight and hearing loss, and drier skin (leading to wrinkles), the aging process also comes with an increased risk of tooth loss.
Depending on the retention of wisdom teeth, a full set of adult teeth should be 28 to 32. However, in a five-year study by the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey, Americans ages 75 and over were missing over 22 natural teeth with over 26% having no remaining teeth (known as being edentulous).
Today’s older adult is more aware that tooth loss is not necessarily to be expected as part of the aging process. Not only is keeping natural teeth throughout a lifetime possible, there are tremendous health benefits when natural teeth are maintained (including a longer life).
The intricate connection of natural teeth to healthy jaw bone structure may surprise you. Natural teeth are supported by your upper and lower jaw bone. These strong, study bones hold tooth roots securely for dependable, comfortable biting and chewing. The jaw bones are actually kept healthy by the presence of tooth roots. These roots provide stimulation to the bone as well as nourishment that feeds through the tooth’s interior.
When a tooth is removed, so is the stimulation and nourishment to that area of the jaw bone. Without it, the bone begins to shrink. As it declines in height, the adjacent teeth are more vulnerable to loss. Statistics show that teeth adjacent to areas where natural teeth are missing will be the most likely to be lost next.
This has a domino effect. Although crown-&-bridge and partials can replace the presence of teeth above the gum line, there is nothing to support the health of the jaw bones below. Thus, tooth loss continues and can go from a few missing teeth to losing all teeth.
Obviously, it is important to replace lost teeth before bone loss begins and tooth loss continues. And, it’s HOW you replace them that’s most important.
Because dental implants replace the tooth above the gum line AND the root portion below it, the bone is able to retain its mass. Dental implants also restore the ability to eat with stability, chew comfortably, laugh and speak with confidence.
Dental implants do not decay and will never need root canals. They have an extremely high success rate, higher than any implant-in-bone option. And, Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime. With proper selection and maintenance, they will never need replacing or repair.
Dental implants come in many sizes and shapes, each system designed to accommodate various needs and preferences. This means your implant can be chosen to suit your long-term goals.
Treatment planning includes some of dentistry’s most advanced computerized imaging technology, including cone beam imaging and laser dentistry. These technologies aid in creating conservative approaches to resolve problems surrounding implant dentistry’s obstacles.
Some of these include the need for bone rebuilding procedures, sinus lifts, gum disease therapy, and misalignment of surrounding teeth. The benefits for patients often include a savings of time in treatment, treatment cost, enhanced comfort, and shortened healing time.
So whether you are missing one, several or all teeth, there is a dental implant system designed for your unique needs. In our Shelby Township MI dental office, we provide all phases of dental implants with Oral and I.V. sedation (“twilight sleep”) available for optimal comfort. These sedatives are administered by highly trained staff who use advanced safety monitoring equipment.
Let’s discuss the confidence of a healthy, complete smile during a no-charge consultation. Call 586-739-2155 or tap HERE to schedule online. During this time, I’ll make suggestions and answer your questions in a private setting.
If desired, we can also have you meet with our financial coordinator. She will be happy to explain several payment plans that can break your treatment fee into affordable monthly amounts (typically with no down payment required).
You’re also invited to “meet” me prior through a brief video: MeetDrBarbat
We would also like give you a tour of our beautiful dental office at: DrBarbatOfficeTour
And introduce you to our vast array of technology: DrBarbatTechnology
