I always thought my Uncle Jerry had perfect teeth. But he had a loose bridge he was dealing with for three years; he had to eat differently to avoid falling out at unpredictable moments, which he dreaded. At the age of 73, he finally said enough is enough; he was tired of living in fear of his own mouth.

The dental implant consultation was a surprise. The first dentist patted Jerry on the head and suggested he "stay with what works", meaning his troublesome bridge. The second dentist launched into a complicated and aggressive sales tactic about premium implants that would easily cost more than Jerry's car. However, the third dentist actually listened to Jerry, asked about his goals and provided truthful information about what implants do (and don't do) for a guy his age.

Six months later, Jerry was tearing corn on the cob off the cob at our family barbecue, looking like he won the lottery. Not that the implants had made it easy for him - they hadn't. Jerry was just thrilled he could eat food again without every bite revolving around catastrophic dental failures.

This experience made me aware of how complicated the implant decision becomes after 65. There are realities of medical stuff that younger people do not deal with. Insurance gets weird. Family members have opinions.To be candid, many dentists approach older patients with the mentality of that patient learning to live with whatever problem exists.

If you are considering an implant in your 60's, 70's, and beyond, let me share what I learned witnessing Jerry go through the process, along with conversations with dozens of others who have also gone through the process.

Implant Treatment - What Really Happens

Forget the pamphlet and website photos you see. Here is what implant treatment looks like when you have been chewing food and brushing your teeth for decades.

First, you go through a dental "evaluation"; I like to think of it as dental detective work. They need to find out how to treat your jaw bone, which has likely changed significantly since you lost those teeth. Some of it can be seen in the x-rays, but the CT scan is where you actually see it.

Jerry's CT scan revealed that his jaw bone had shrunk more than he expected in the areas of tooth loss decades back. Completely normal! When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone in that area will dissipate because it is not getting the workout it did when the tooth was there. You can think of muscles. If you don't use them, they shrink.

This bone situation determines almost the rest of the treatment. If you are someone with plenty of solid bone, placement of an implant after healing can be reasonably straightforward. If you do not, then you are looking at bone grafting at the beginning, which kills a couple of months, and adds significant cost. Jerry happened to be one of those people - he had to be grafted in two spots, which was a bummer for him. In the end, it was fine.

Implant surgery sounds more frightening than it typically is. They numb everything thoroughly and then make a small flap in the gum, and then a drill (that sounds like a dentist drill) makes a precision hole in the bone that they screw a titanium post, like a screw. Most tend to be surprised at the manageability of it. Jerry said it was less uncomfortable even than a root canal! Go figure [...]

Then comes the waiting! The implant must osseointegrate to your bone; this process is usually from three to six months. But there is no way to rush this process. You need to let the bone grow into the microscopic surface of the implant. Any rush for the bone would lead to failure of the implant.

While waiting, you might have a temporary tooth. Not great. Not much stability, and usually you will be told to be careful. But a temporary tooth is better than a gap in your smile.

Finally, attaching the final crown to the implant. They take impressions, make a tooth that matches your other teeth, and then bracket it to the implant. This part of the process tends to be the least difficult part of the whole process.

The Age Factor: What's Different After 60

Age alone doesn't disqualify you from implants, but let's be honest - some things do get more complicated as we get older.

Healing takes longer. Jerry's oral surgeon warned him that integration might take the full six months instead of the three or four it might take a younger person. Your body's repair systems still work, but they're not operating at peak efficiency anymore.

Bone density becomes a bigger issue. Osteoporosis affects implant success, though it doesn't make them impossible. If you're taking bisphosphonates for bone loss, that's a conversation you need to have with both your dentist and your doctor. Some of these medications can interfere with jaw healing.

Multiple health conditions complicate things. Jerry has diabetes and takes blood thinners - both factors his oral surgeon had to work around. The diabetes needed to be well-controlled before surgery, and the blood thinners required coordination with his cardiologist about timing.

Medications matter more. The older we get, the more pills we take, and some of them affect healing or interact with anesthesia. Make a complete list of everything you take, including over-the-counter stuff and supplements.

Your immune system isn't what it used to be. This means infections are slightly more likely, and if they do happen, they might be harder to clear up. Good oral hygiene becomes even more critical.

But here's what surprised me: older patients often have some advantages. They're usually more compliant with post-operative instructions. They have time to heal properly without work pressures. And they tend to have more realistic expectations about the process.

Jerry's surgeon told him that some of her best implant patients are in their 70s and 80s because they follow directions, show up for appointments, and don't try to rush back to eating steak three days after surgery.

Money Reality: What This Actually Costs

It may be hard to find someone you feel comfortable discussing implant costs with, so let me tell you what they are.In most areas of the U.S., the total price for a single implant (from start to finish) ranges from $3,500-$6,500.This includes the implant, the crown, and multiple appointments.If you require bone grafting or other preparatory work, expect to add an additional $500-$2,000 per site.

Jerry needed two implants with bone grafting on both.Over all it added up to just over $12,000 for his total bill.This isn't entirely insignificant, especially while living on a retirement income.

Insurance has such inconsistency and frustration.Some plans allow for reimbursement of part of the cost of the implants as they treat them much the same as any other tooth replacement.Other plans call it a cosmetic procedure and do not reimburse for any costs.Jerry's plan allowed $1,000 per implant - better than nothing but not much help when your total bill is over $12,000.

Medicare does not reimburse for dental implants unless they are a part of a reconstructive surgery plan for an accident or cancer treatment.And most of the supplemental plans don't offer dental either.

Jerry learned about managing these costs, many oral surgeons offer payment plans.The oral surgeon Jerry chose offered an arrangement where contracts and payment plans were established.In other words, Jerry paid half at the office visit and arranged to pay off the balance over 18 months, with no interest.Other practices also work with finance companies that specialize in medical financing.

Considering lifetime costs, dentures are interesting too.Dentures may appear to be a cheaper option initially, but wear and would need to be replaced every 5-10 years.There are also ongoing costs associated with denture care like maintenance, modifications, pads, and glues.Jerry's accountant daughter did the math, and it may take down costs to use dental implants as opposed to accommodations needed to maintain dentures over a 15-year period.

You may have access to consider Health Savings Accounts to use for dental implants if you are utilizing the plan.

The tax reduction helps offset some of the expense associated with the surgery.

Some people travel to get less expensive implants, but Jerry's surgeon cautioned against this. Getting implants is not a quick fix; the process can take months and often requires multiple visits. If something doesn't go as planned, you want your surgeon in the building, not on another continent.

Finding the Right Dental Team

Not every dentist has the same degree of skill with implants. This becomes more important when you have additional complications due to age. You can have a general dentist place the implants, but Jerry went with an oral surgeon who was more experienced in placing implants. Jerry's surgeon was experienced placing complicated cases and was in a better position to handle complications, should they arise.

Forty-five years of experience with older patients matters. Jerry specifically asked each of the potential providers how many patients over the age of 65 they had treated with implants. The answers were drastically different, and he went with the provider he felt was experienced at working with seniors.

The available technology has been game changing. When Jerry researched the dental specialist, the practice used 3D imaging and computer-guided surgery to increase accuracy and decrease surgery time. Instrumentation from several years ago was able to handle the surgery, but usually, the newer technology improves the outcomes.

The way a provider communicates can be important, also, especially when the patient is elderly. Jerry needed a provider who would take the time to explain everything he needed to know, patiently answers any questions he had, and if needed, review things with his primary care doctor. He was somewhat turned off by any provider that had a high-pressure "sales pitch" feel or rushed through the explanation.

Make sure you are comfortable with the staff as well. They will be your dental aide through the months of appointments (think: scheduling, payments, etc.). Friendly, knowledgeable staff make the process pleasant. The staff also should recognize you and your situation from previous visits.

Also, office location and accessibility is worth considering. Problems (gait and other mobility) arose for Jerry, and the office accessibility became important to him.Offices on the ground floor, ample parking, and wheelchair access may not seem to matter now, but may become important during the course treatment.

Having an emergency coverage system can be reassuring. Jerry's surgeon had an after-hours phone number to call, as well as arrangements with local hospitals in the event of serious complications. He never needed this, but knowing that it was available to him eased his worry.

What Recovery Really Looks Like

Recovery from implant surgery varies widely, but here is how it played out for Jerry - telling it like it is for someone his age.

Day one was the easiest day. The anesthetic had numbed everything, allowing Jerry to be comfortable, even though he looked as if he was storing nuts for the winter on one side of his face. The surgeon provided him with pain medication, antibiotics and clear instructions for aftercare.

Days two and three turned out to be the hardest days. Swelling reached its peak and Jerry was very uncomfortable. Despite not being experiencing pain that was short of unmanageable, it was a level of discomfort that over the counter medications could not help with. Ice packs became his best friend.

The first week required dietary modifications. Only soft foods - yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, soup. Jerry got inventive with some of his protein shakes and determined he even liked scrambled eggs and cottage cheese. Avoid heats, spices and food that require a bit of chewing.

Sleeping posed a little challenge - at least at first, Jerry had to sleep inclined from the shoulders up to assist with the swelling. A recliner was a much better option than lying down in the bed during the first few days.

Oral hygiene was an area that had to change. He could not brush any of the surgical sites directly, but he could rinse, very gently, with salt water to keep everything clean. His hygienist provided him with some special brushes to clean around the healing areas as well.Activity limitations were minimal but essential. No heavy lifting, no bending over, and no strenuous exercise for one week. Jerry's large obstacle was the fact that he could not work in his garden, which he loved as an activity...

The follow-up appointments measured the healing process. At two weeks, the surgical sites looked good. At six weeks, everything was moving along nicely and healing as expected. At the three-month appointment, X-rays showed good bone growth around the implants.

The waiting phase between the implant placement and the making of the crowns was probably the biggest challenge to Jerry's patience. He wore temporary teeth. They worked okay, but weren't perfect. Eating with the temporary teeth required more care, and he was aware not to bite down too hard.

Realistic expectations vs marketing hype

The marketing for implants depicts everything going perfectly and effortlessly, but the reality is much more complicated, particularly for seniors.

Implants feel different than natural teeth, at least at first. Jerry certainly noticed this feeling when he would bite into foods. The feeling is different, because implants do not have the nerve endings, like natural teeth. Most people adapt to this feeling, but it takes some time.

Chewing may be a little different. Jerry found himself being more deliberate about how he bit into certain foods. Corn on the cob required a little bit of a different bite than he would have used a couple of decades ago with his natural teeth.

Aesthetics are usually very good, but not always perfect. Jerry felt that although the color, shape, and fit of the implant crown matched the other teeth very well, it didn’t look exactly like a natural tooth. It is subtle and he was likely the only person that would notice it, but he did.

Maintenance will be required. Like natural teeth, implants require periodic cleaning, just requiring a slightly different technique. Jerry needed to learn new flossing techniques and purchase a water flosser, which works better around implants.

While success is not guaranteed, the statistics are good, so it's worth exploring. Jerry learned that his surgeon had quoted success rates of 95% for his age group with his health profile. This means 1 in 20 implants may not be successful and require taking out the dental implant, and possibly replacing it.

The adjustment period ranges dramatically by person, and it can take them varying periods of time to feel 'normal', and their 'normal' can be an entirely different threshold or measurement than others may feel. Some people feel like they are completely back to normal within weeks of an implant, while some people, including Jerry, and some may take a few months before they feel everything is normal. This does not mean that anything went wrong, just that everyone can have a different experience.

Overall, durability is very good in the long run, although not eternal. Jerry's implants should last several decades if he maintains good oral hygiene practices; however, the crowns will need to be replaced; ideally, it at least should last approximately 15 - 20 years in service.

Common Complications and Coping

Most people have a fairly uneventful procedure, although complications can occur especially with older patients who have added or complex medical histories.

Unsurprisingly, the most common complication encountered is the presence of infection. Jerry's surgeon told him that it is very important to follow the antibiotics's instructions and to carefully and regularly practice good oral hygiene to minimize infection. Symptoms of infection are of increasing pain, swelling that continues to get worse after the first few days, or even pus appearing around the dental implant site.

Implant failure can happen during the healing period. If there was no boney growth around the implant, it will be an immediate failure and has the potential to not be a good candidate for dental implant. This is more likely in patients with certain medical conditions or medication regimes. If it happens, Jerry his implant will likely be removed from the implant site, and healed, and potentially replaced.

Nerve injury is an uncommon but serious complication of lower jaw implants. Jerry's surgeon took advantage of a 3D-imaging-guided mapping of nerve location prior to surgery to minimize the risk of damage to this nerve.

Sinus issues can arise with upper jaw implants if the implant reaches the sinus cavity. This is why it is so important to have good planning and imaging prior to surgery.

Implant rejection is not exactly rejection as you would understand it medically. Titanium is a biocompatible metal. But what can happen, is that the implant is not well-integrated into the surrounding bone at the surface of the implant, and so it fails.

Most complications, if they are going to happen, occur within the first few months after surgery. That is why follow-up appointments are so critical, even if you feel you are doing fine.

Jerry's experience was uncomplicated, but his surgeon was direct about the possible problems that could occur and laid out clear path to addressing them.

Living with Implants Over Time

Two years post-implant surgery, Jerry has established a routine for his implants that suits his lifestyle.

His daily maintenance routine includes routine brushing with a soft toothbrush and careful use of floss around the implant crowns. Jerry uses a water flosser, which he finds to be more useful than flossing for cleaning around the implants.

Jerry's regular check-up appointment is now four months apart, instead of six months. His hygienist has specialized instruments for this cleaning so that the implantJerry is able to eat nearly anything he desires now, although he has learned to be cautious about eating extremely hard food that could damage the crown, just as it can chip a natural tooth.

Annual X-rays taken to monitor the bone around the implants indicate Jerry's good health/healthy and successful implants because Jerry's bone levels have remained good/stable.

Lifestyle factors are still an important issue. Jerry quit smoking years ago, but had he continued to smoke, continued smoking would put the success of the implants at risk. Good overall health contributes to good implant health.

Night grinding was a concern Jerry did not anticipate. Advice from his dentist to get a night guard helped protect both his implants and remaining natural teeth from the forces caused during nighttime grinding.

Travel considerations are minimal now that everything has healed. To travel, Jerry keeps multiple copies of his implant records and his dentist's contact information in case he needs dental care while traveling.

Cost as an ongoing concern is predictable. Needed cleanings, X-rays, and eventually crowns are the main costs. Jerry budgeted to spend approximately $500 per year to take care of his implants.

The Decision Process: Questions to Ask Yourself

Making an informed decision about whether implants make sense for you must begin with an honest self-assessment about several factors.

Health status is the beginning. Jerry had well-controlled diabetes and took blood thinners, but through good self-discipline he was effectively being managed. Uncontrolled issues with health must be managed before you begin to think about considering implants.

Bone density affects the likelihood of success. Does your current health status indicate you have osteoporosis, or do you take medications that have an effect on bone healing? Health status considerations must be evaluated carefully, and have an impact on making decisions, but do not automatically eliminate implants as an option.

Financial state matters too, and goes beyond just the initial financial expense. Can you afford to handle unexpected expenses from complications, and a good idea of the potential costs of future maintenance? Jerry factored in the potential for crown replacement costs over his lifetime.

Lifestyle priorities inform the overall value of an implant. For example, if you are very active socially, or travel frequently, or are very particular about food, then implants could be worth their cost of the experience. If you have a more sedentary lifestyle and don't feel inhibited by the issues surrounding your current state, the investment of costs may not be worth it.

Support from the family can be an important factor during the time of treatment. A family member can provide transportation to and from appointments, and assist during the first few days when recovery may be uncomfortable.

Realistic expectations regarding the timeline are often necessary for the overall experience. Jerry's throughout total process took 8 months from the time of the initial consultation to the time of the final crown placement. Some people expect it to happen much sooner, therefore the wait seems unacceptable; the full treatment process does take time.

Natural differing tolerance to risk can be important when making a decision. Jerry personally had a very low tolerance for risk involved with a very small likelihood of the possibility of failure, weighed against the potential positive benefits of an implant made meaningfully more sense for him than any risk associated with the treatment.

Confidence in your provider is critical. Throughout Jerry's experience, he felt comfortable with the surgeon's perceived expertise and ability to communicate. If you have any misgivings about your provider, it may be advisable to get a second opinion.

Alternative Options Worth Considering

There are alternatives to implants for tooth replacement that may be more appropriate for you.'Quite a few people are still using conventional dentures because they were priced lower at the outset and do not require surgery.Jerry's father was very happy with his dentures, and wore them for twenty years.But, dentures must be removed to clean them every day, and over time, they can become loose.

Partials can work nicely for people missing just a few teeth.Partials can be taken out, are less expensive than implants, and require no surgery.Problems can lead to next to adjacent natural teeth as well as the need for some adjustment over time.

Fixed Bridges replaces teeth by crowning very healthy adjacent teeth, and not relying on adjacent teeth directly. Jerry considered this option but was not interested in having his adjacent very healthy teeth modified.

Implant-supported dentures can connect the implant and the convenience of a denture.A couple of well-placed implants can support a full denture and provide much greater stability than conventional dentures.For many patients, it will cost less than having implants for every missing tooth.

Mini implants are sometimes presented as a less expensive alternative to implants.They are smaller, less invasive in place, but are equally or less durable. Jerry's surgeon did not indicate they would work for his particular case.

Removable partials held in place by more than one precisionattachment can yield greater stability than conventional partials and cost less than implants. Until Jerry's consultation, he had not heard of this approach.

The alternative will depend on your unique anatomy, medical history outcome preference, disposition, and financial feasibility.Ultimately, Jerry chose an implanted solution as it was the best fit for his particular preferences and the specific circumstances he wished to consider

Final Thoughts: Reaching a Resolution with Your Decision

For Jerry, the journey involved an implant that had a successful outcome, but it wasn't accident-free, instant, or without complications. The total time it took was longer than what he intended, the total costs exceeded projected costs, and the number of appointments required was more than expected.

Would he do it again? Definitely. The improvement in the quality of life - being able to eat with confidence, smile freely, and not worry about dental catastrophes or failure - was worth it for him.

But Jerry also knows people who made different choices and are also happy with their choice. His neighbor chose well-made dentures, and is happy with her decision. His brother-in-law decided not to treat and manages fine with the teeth he has left, which sadly are limited.

Regardless, it is about making an educated decision, informed by your decisions, goals, health, and finances. Nobody should pressure you into treatment you do not wish to pursue. At the same time, you should not allow unfounded fears or out-dated thoughts to get in the way of researching and hearing about possibilities that possible improvement in your life.

Let me also say, getting older does not mean accepting oral diseases, deregulating into solutions, or settling for treatment options that simply do not meet your own needs and expectations. Solutions may involve implants and/or different forms of dental treatment, or just caring for and maintaining the teeth you presently care for. Regardless of what that looks like for you, you have a right to some form of care that fosters your health and happiness.

Three- to four-decade of service with your mouth is a long performance. Taking care of it - regardless of what taking care of it consists of for your level of care - is an investment in your future health and quality of life.

When Things Don't Go As Expected

Not every implant story has a happy ending, and Jerry saw this personally with his friend Bob, who had a much rougher experience than Jerry. Bob, at 69, appeared to be the ideal candidate: healthy, good bone, and realistic expectations. Bob's implant placement was uneventful, and his healing process post-surgery seemed to be going extremely well. Unfortunately, at four months, things went wrong.

Bob's implant never fused properly with the bone. Instead of solid bone in X-rays, there was a dark line around the implant, which was very disappointing to Bob and his oral surgeon. Bob's oral surgeon had seen this before, and unfortunately, about 5% of folks will experience this, even if everything else goes right. Bob's implant had to be taken out, and he was just crushed. Bob wore a temporary tooth for the last several months, faithfully followed every post-operative instruction, and spent an extraordinary amount of money. Now he was back at square one.

Here is what Bob learned which may help others: Just because an implant fails doesn't mean you cannot try again. Bob's oral surgeon waiting for three months for the site to heal and placed a new implant that had a different surface treatment. The second implant took perfectly.

Bob's experience further highlights why an experienced provider makes a difference. His oral surgeon had a protocol for his complications and did not charge him for the replacement implant. A less experienced provider may have not been as well equipped to handle the complications presented.

Bob expressed that he was not ready for the emotional impact of implant failure - it was a surprise, although he was expecting physically to feel bad about it. He had gotten excited about the prospect of eating like everyone else, and that set back felt like a personal failure, although it wasn’t. Speaking with other patients about their experiences helped him put things in perspective.

Insurance Challenges and Financial Reality

Jerry thought he understood his dental insurance coverage until he actually attempted to receive coverage for implants. Learning about dealing with the insurance process through phone calls and claims was less than favorable.

The insurance plan stated it would cover “prosthodontic services” which Jerry assumed meant that they would cover the cost of the implant(s). However, when the claims were submitted, the insurance company stated they would deny coverage because they deemed the implants “experimental.” Jerry appealed the case three separate times and obtained documentation from the surgeon, before they finally approved coverage for one implant at $1,000 - which was much less than he had anticipated.

The billing process was equally perplexing. Some charges were placed for surgical placement of the implant, while others were categorized as out-of-pocket charges for the fabrication of the crown, while others were follow-ups, and even more were adjustments to the crown. Even though they would all have separate coverage categories from insurance, it became very difficult for Jerry to track what was actually owed.

Jerry’s advice to others: never accept verbal assurance that your treatment will likely be covered by insurance and obtain written pre-authorization. He suggests even asking your dental office to send a pre-treatment estimate to the insurance company so you know exactly what will / won’t be covered.

Payment plans offered Jerry a manageable way to afford the financial aspects of treatment; however, he warns to make sure you read the fine print before signing anything. Some financing companies charge high penalties for early payoff and others have a promotional rate period that runs out and goes up considerably in interest immediately after.The tax implications shocked Jerry, in a way. He could write off the implant costs as a medical expense, but taxes depended on whether he itemized his deductions, and then whether his total deductions were greater than a certain percentage of his income. For many older adults, this places the tax value into question and he quickly saw this.

Family Dynamics and Decision Making

Jerry’s choice about the implants also affected more than he bargained for. His adult daughter was concerned that he was having surgery at his age. His wife wondered if Jerry should spend retirement income on the dental work. His grandchildren asked questions like, “what’s wrong with Grandpa’s teeth?”

Inquiring about whether Jerry would take it as a gift, his daughter did not want him to do these implants—as she offered to pay for the implants, it brought more family strain in that she wanted to be included in the decision-making process about his treatment. The daughter was being generous in offering to pay but Jerry felt a natural conflict in allowing someone else (again, with good intentions) to interject their ideas into his treatment decisions.

His wife’s concerns were much more practical. She questioned how long he would take to heal from the dental work, his age, and most pertinent—what if there were any complications? And the ultimate question to consider, weren't they better off using their money toward fixes to their home if they were going to have to widen doors and other modifications for aging in place.

Jerry did find that talking about the entire decision-making process, eased some of the pressure from the family. He invited his wife to attend the consult (and she was able to ask her own questions). He even showed his daughter the pamphlets the surgeon gave him. He simply explained to his grandchildren the implant procedure in a way they understood, and before the ended, asked them if they had additional questions.

Ultimately Jerry's recovery allowed for the family to be closer together period. His wife was happy to take care of him for the first couple of days after surgery. Wouldn't it be interesting to know how the couple recovered from surgery and if they found the same assumptions true?His daughter was grateful that she could assist with transportation to appointments. The entire process became a joint undertaking instead of Jerry experiencing it on his own.

Moving on with Life with Implants

Similar to his time adjusting after getting his final crowns, Jerry discovered that successful implants involve changes in the way you live, and for seniors, there are some changes after impacting them.

He learned that he needed to address his eating habits, not from the inability to eat certain foods, but rather because Jerry had developed a habit of not eating certain foods. Re-learning to take a bite out of an apple, or to chew bread, required practice. He had weakened his chewing muscles over many years of careful eating, and needed time to recondition them.

Jer' routine for oral hygiene changed somewhat drastically—for example, Jerry purchased a water flosser, unique brushes for implant cleaning, and a different type of toothpaste (his hygienist actually recommended). The time format for his routine was longer than when he had natural teeth, but regardless, it was still easier and quicker than when he maintained partial or full dentures.

After Jerry got accustomed to his implants, dealing with social situations became easier. He no longer shielded his mouth with his hands while laughing. He ordered whatever he wanted in a restaurant without regret. Jerry realized his psychological benefits were as important and impressive as his functional benefits.

Jerry's fresh perspective about dental health also changed what he considered when traveling abroad. Now Jerry carries documentation about his implants when traveling to leave the country, in case he experiences any emergency dental attention, while being away. He packs extra daily oral health hygiene supplies and knows how to access emergency dental care, if away from home. The regular upkeep of the schedule became incorporated into Jerry's routine. He now budgets for more frequent dental cleaning, annual x-rays to monitor bone levels, and eventual crown replacements as part of his retirement program.

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

When asked to reflect on the process of his implants, Jerry shares his takeways for other seniors who might consider the treatment.

Think about the decision. Jerry spent six months researching the options, getting second opinions, and thinking through his priorities before he made the decision to proceed. If he had spent less initial time on the decision, he could have had regrets later.

Don't let age alone control your decision. Jerry's surgeon has successfully treated many patients in their 80s.Overall health and motivation is an important consideration rather than just biological age.

Be ready for the complete timeline. The treatment took ten months, starting from a consultation to the time he had his final crown seated. Having the understanding of a ten-month process helped him plan properly and avoid frustrations about a seemingly elongated process.

Budget for more than the quote. Between the costs of additional procedures, the complications, and the continual maintenance he estimates he has spent 25% more than his original expense.

Choose your provider wisely. Jerry's positive experience was mainly due to him working with an experienced surgeon who communicated well and had established protocols to respond to any problems if they started or developed.

Expectations. Jerry describes that his implants work fine, but they are no longer the actual natural teeth he had before. Understanding this pretreatment helped to limit his disappointment during the adjustment period.

Consider the benefits of thepsychological aspect of treatment. Jerry had not understood how much of a dent his dental issues had taken on his self-confidence and social involvement, but his dental issues are no longer a problem and he realized he functioned differently in social situations.

Jerry sums it up by explaining that the plomb decision is a personal one, and that what his course of action was appropriate for him is not necessarily appropriate for you. Ultimately you should make an informed decision based on your particular situation, priorities, and values.

Jerry's final conclusion illustrates that growing older does not mean you need to accept dental problems as a norm. Older seniors can use implants or similar solutions to maintain their health, comfort, and quality of life for older age.