is cosmetic dentistry worthwhile for older adults

Is Cosmetic Dentistry A Worthwhile Option for Older Adults? (Part 2)

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In our last blog post, we covered four reasons why we believe it’s worth your while to take the step of getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure done – at ANY age. The purpose of today’s blog post is to offer a few more reasons that you can consider if you’re on the fence about doing an elective procedure to your teeth and you want to be confident in your choice to move forward.

Of course, you may have already decided that a cosmetic dentistry procedure does NOT make sense for you. There are reasons why not every procedure would be right for everyone, and only you can be the final judge of whether you should get dental work done. It depends on your age, your current health, the benefits of the treatment, and the benefit you stand to gain from the procedure. With that said, here are some general principles in favor of getting cosmetic dentistry while you’re older.

1. Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to hurt

If your number one reason why you’re hesitating to get cosmetic dentistry done is that you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. Fear of pain is a real and understandable thing. However, not all cosmetic dentistry procedures hurt. Even ones that do come with some pain, such as dental implants, can be done using sedation dentistry so that you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. Dr. Colkmire is renowned in the area for his gentleness, so talk to him candidly about your fears and ask him for a realistic outlook on what expectations you should have about pain in your procedure.

2. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can benefit your jawbone

When you lose a tooth, you may stop chewing on that side of your mouth. You may think that getting that tooth replaced is simply a matter of looks, and you say to yourself, “I don’t care how it looks; I can live with it.” However, this attitude could do harm to your jawbone. Without the pressure that comes from chewing, your body stops reinforcing that bone. This can lead to a higher incidence of jaw fractures. This effect is compounded if you lose several teeth in the same place. If you lose enough bone, you may also cease to be a candidate for dental implants down the road. On the other hand, replacing missing teeth will allow you to chew normally on that side of your mouth, and your body will keep on sending resources to the bone on that side, keeping it strong and healthy.

3. The lifetime of some dental procedures is only 15 years or less, anyway

Just because you may be older does not mean that you won’t be able to get the full lifetime value out of the cosmetic dentistry procedure you’re considering. Crowns, for instance, typically last around 15 years (though some have lasted much longer). According to the John Hancock Life Expectancy Calculator, a 65-year-old male who is a non-smoker has a baseline life expectancy of living 22 more years. Why put off getting a treatment that will make you look great and feel fantastic about yourself?

Contact Joshua Colkmire’s Office for your Cosmetic Dentistry Appointment Today

When you want the dentist who has focused his practice on the treatment and care of older adults, make your appointment with Joshua Colkmire. You’ll be glad you did. Contact our Sarasota cosmetic dentist office today to get started.