For many people especially seniors, having a beautiful smile can be very important. Seniors often encounter a lot of health issues and one such issue comes from their dental health. Many old people tend to lose their teeth due to age or damage and dentures are usually the answer to such a problem.
There are a lot of dental procedures that one can get to fix their teeth but they can also be very expensive. Dental implants are an affordable solution but even that can still be expensive for those who are on a tight budget.
This article will dive deeper into dental implants on a budget for seniors. You will also learn some valuable tips for affordable options. Check it out below.
Why Do Seniors Need Dental Implants
Tooth loss is one of the most common dental issues for seniors. Several factors contribute to their compromised oral health.
These include gum disease, old age, tooth decay, lack of oral health, and certain health conditions that contribute to tooth loss in old age. Providing suitable tooth replacements can help improve seniors' quality of life.
Dental implants are a great option as it is made up of titanium screws that are surgically placed in the jaw bone and add in artificial teeth.
This makes it more enjoyable for seniors to eat food again and maintain their oral health.
The Impact on Long-Term Health for Seniors with Dental Implants
Dental implants can help seniors to live a full life. The quality of life immediately improves when seniors get dental implants. They can eat better and receive better nutrition than those who do not have implants.
Seniors who have dental implants are less likely to develop debilitating diseases such as heart disease and many other serious conditions. Having healthy teeth is beneficial, but when you're old, having dental implants can have a positive impact on your long-term health.
This should be why you must get one if you suffer from tooth loss in the later stages of life.
Factors to Consider When Getting Dental Implants
Not everyone will be considered to get dental implants to improve their oral health and overall quality of life.
Doctors and dentists must check your overall health before they consider offering you dental implants to resolve your issues.
Here are other factors that are considered before you can get dental implants.
Overall Oral Health
A senior's oral health is very important when considering getting dental implants. The jaw bone should have the structure and the capacity to support the implants.
This means that the bone must have enough density. Gum disease and tooth decay can cause the jaw bone to lose its overall bone density, which can cause problems later on.
Medical History
Seniors who have a specific medical history relating to bone loss won't be considered to have dental implants.
Those who suffer from diabetes and osteoporosis will need to find another suitable procedure for their oral health.
Many medical conditions need to be reviewed first, as they impact the person's overall healing capabilities before the procedure.
Lifestyle Factors
Seniors who smoke may need to reduce the frequency of smoking as it can impact the overall quality of the dental implants.
It also increases their chances of getting an infection. It is highly recommended that seniors stop smoking to increase their chances of getting dental implants.
Pricing
Lastly, many seniors are already on a tight budget as they do not have the income to get dental implants.
The price of getting a dental implant can be very expensive so you should always consider if you're able to afford one.
Many dental clinics offer monthly payment plans for procedures, so you should find clinics that offer such plans.
Tips for Affordable Dental Implants for Seniors
If you are considering getting dental implants as a senior, you might be worried about the overall cost of the procedure.
Here are some tips for you to get a more affordable rate than the average dental implant procedure cost.
Do Your Research
There are many ways for you to get affordable dental implants aside from dental clinics. There are dental schools that offer a much lower rate than the ones that you get from clinics.
While students may perform them, they are supervised by experts in the field. This process can take much longer as students are still in a learning environment.
Take note that some might even offer the procedure for free, or you may only pay for the implants.
Ask About Your Insurance Coverage
Another way for you to get affordable dental implants is to check your insurance coverage. Many insurance policies today offer dental health coverage.
Ask your insurance provider if you are covered for dental insurance, especially with dental implants.
Coverage may vary depending on insurance companies and their policies but it is best that you inquire or even get one that can partially cover the cost of the procedure.
Seek Non-Profit Organizations
There are also non-profit organizations out there that offer dental procedures to qualified individuals.
You can find them on the Internet or check your local listings to see if they have events in your area.
You can then sign up for their free dental procedures and see if you can get dental implants that way.
Prevent Future Costs
Dental implants are quite expensive, and getting them is not easy. This is why you should always try to protect your oral health.
Even if you already have dental implants, you need to prioritize good oral hygiene to prevent future expenses.
Brush and floss regularly and have your monthly dental check-up. Good oral hygiene can also lessen the cost of dental implants, as there is less damage in your oral area.
Conclusion
You can always get affordable dental implants if you know where to find them. We hope the tips mentioned above will help you find the perfect solution that fits your budget while allowing for better safety and quality of your implants. Never let the cost of dental implants prevent you from achieving the perfect smile and good oral health.
