What Is a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. They replace your tooth roots with screw-like metal posts. This durability enables them to be permanent with proper care. A crown is attached to the dental implant screw to act as a tooth. The artificial tooth (crown) looks like a tooth in terms of functionality and aesthetics.

Dental implants are a great idea if you’re missing teeth because you can resume regular oral health routines and enjoy a variety in your diet again.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants As a Senior?

To be a candidate for dental implants as a senior, you need to meet a few basic requirements. 

If you meet these requirements, you’ll most likely qualify for dental implants:

• Candidates need healthy oral tissues for dental implants
• Candidates need adequate bone mass for dental implants
• Candidates must have a fully grown jawbone
• Candidates must not have health conditions that affect bone healing

Why Should I Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants are usually the best alternative to other teeth replacement options such as bridgework or dentures. Dentures or bridgework do not provide the desired function and aesthetic qualities that a dental implant can.

Dental implants are ideal when there are no surrounding teeth or natural roots to allow for bridgework. Implants are also a more permanent tooth replacement solution. After you receive your dental implants, you can go about your normal routine, lifestyle, and diet as if you have natural, healthy teeth!

Benefits of Dental Implants for Seniors

There are many benefits to having dental implants, such as regaining your confidence in laughing, eating, and talking. If you have decided to get dental implants, you can live and feel like you used to when you had natural teeth.

Here are a few benefits of dental implants for seniors:

• Dental implants are much more comfortable than dentures
• They can improve your nutritional intake and diet
• They are much better for your facial and bone profile
• You can regain your confidence back and your normal lifestyle routine

• They have proven and predictable results
• They are a permanent solution
• They are easy to care for
• They have a long-term success rate

Dental Implants Procedure for Seniors

There are a few steps involved in placing dental implants for seniors here at our practice in Amarillo, TX. Dr. Damon will perform the following to get your dental implants inserted:

• Damaged tooth removal
• Jawbone preparation (if required)
• Dental implant placement
• Bone healing and growth
• Abutment replacement
• Artificial tooth placement

Can Dental Implants Be Done in One Day?

The good news is, yes, dental implants can be done in one day by Dr. Damon! They can be placed in a single procedure from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on how many teeth need to be implanted. This procedure will be the placement of your temporaries. 

During your dental implant procedure, these fully functioning temporary teeth will be placed for about three to six months while your jawbone heals. You need to come back thereafter for your permanent implants to be placed. 

The Best Alternatives to Dental Implants for Seniors

Dr. Damon will be able to advise you on dental implant alternatives if you don’t qualify for them.

Dental implant alternatives are:

• Implant-supported bridge
• Flipper
• Resin-bonded bridge
• Partial dentures
• Full dentures
• Implant-supported dentures
• Dental bridges

Are Dental Implants for Seniors Painful? 

The dental implant procedure is not painful; we’ve got you covered! You will receive anesthetic options for your surgery, and we’ll make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. Discomfort after surgery can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen and Tylenol®.

What Is the Cost of Dental Implants for Seniors in Forth Worth, TX?

Dental implants cost between $200 and $6,000 for a single tooth implant.

For a full mouth of dental implants, you can expect to spend $34,000. This cost can vary immensely from patient to patient.

If you suffer from bone loss, you can expect to spend $200 to $3,000 on a bone grafting procedure.

Give our dental office a call to schedule a consultation and discuss what the cost will be for your unique smile. 

Start Your Smile Journey with Dental Implants in Amarillo, TX

If you would like to learn more about dental implants for seniors, schedule a consultation today or give us a call. Our staff will be delighted to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you and starting your smile journey together!