Unlike dentures that slip and slide, implants provide permanent, stable teeth that feel completely natural. Dr. Todd Canatella will recommend dental implants for seniors in New Orleans, LA over removable dentures. You’re a good candidate for treatment if you are in good oral health and have enough jawbone to support implants.
Many patients may think they’re too old for implants, but that’s far from the truth. Regardless of age, seniors have a 95 percent success rate during implant treatment. Implants also restore natural bite force without the need for adhesive. Most seniors can return to normal activities the next day after implant treatment.
Removable dentures are a common way that many patients replace multiple missing teeth. The biggest difference between implants and dentures comes down to bone health. Traditional dentures can increase the risk of jawbone loss, while implants stimulate and preserve bone structure. This means seniors not only get better function with implants but also maintain their facial appearance.
Implant techniques like All-on-4 can replace an entire arch of teeth with just four strategically placed implants. The procedure is minimally invasive, and many seniors are surprised by how comfortable they feel after treatment.
Dental Implants for Seniors: Benefits, Safety, and Candidacy
Dental implants for seniors transform lives in ways that go far beyond just replacing missing teeth. At Canatella Dental, we’ve watched countless seniors rediscover the joy of eating their favorite foods and smiling without worry.
The magic happens through a natural process called osseointegration. Your jawbone grows around and bonds with the titanium implant post to create a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Bone preservation sets implants apart from every other tooth replacement option. When you lose teeth, your jawbone starts shrinking because it no longer gets stimulation from tooth roots. Implants reverse this process by acting like natural roots to keep your jawbone healthy and your face looking youthful. If you don’t have enough jaw bone to support implants, we’ll recommend bone grafting.
All-on-4 implants have revolutionized treatment for seniors with multiple missing teeth. Just four strategically placed implants can support an entire arch of teeth. Many patients walk out the same day with a full set of functioning teeth. The technique reduces surgery time and often eliminates the need for bone grafts.
Your health matters more than your age. We look at your overall health, bone density, and commitment to oral care. Most seniors who want implants can get them successfully.
Dental Implants for Seniors vs Dentures
The difference between implants and dentures feels dramatic to patients who make the switch. Traditional dentures give you only 15% of your natural chewing power, while implants restore up to 95%. Implant dentures also provide more benefits for seniors that include:
Stable Bite
Stability changes everything about daily life. Dentures slip when you laugh, sneeze, or eat certain foods. Implants stay put no matter what you’re doing. You’ll never again worry about your teeth falling out during an important conversation or family dinner.
No Dietary Restrictions
Diet variety expands dramatically with implants. Denture wearers often avoid fresh fruits, raw vegetables, nuts, and tough meats because they’re too hard to chew. Implant patients enjoy complete nutritional freedom. Your body gets the nutrients it needs, and your taste buds get the variety they crave.
Clear Speech
Speech clarity improves immediately with implants. Loose dentures cause whistling, clicking, and mumbling. You might avoid speaking up in groups or feel self-conscious about how you sound. Implants eliminate these problems.
No Facial Sagging
Bone loss prevention protects your facial structure for decades. Dentures actually speed up jawbone shrinkage because they press down on your gums. Over time, this creates a sunken, aged appearance. Implants preserve your natural face shape by keeping your jawbone active and healthy.
Easy Cleaning
The daily routine differs completely between the two options. Dentures require nightly removal, special cleaning solutions, and messy adhesives that don’t always work. You can brush your implant restoration like natural teeth.
Am I Too Old for Dental Implants?
Age by itself doesn’t stop anyone from getting dental implants. We’ve helped patients in their 90s who now feel better than they did in their 70s. What really matters is your overall health and how strong your jawbone is—not how old you are.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t get implants. If your blood sugar is under control, your body can heal normally. We’ll work with your doctor to make sure your diabetes stays managed before and after surgery. Many people with diabetes heal just as well as those without it.
A lot of older adults worry about osteoporosis, but it usually doesn’t stop you from getting implants. Even with lower bone strength, most people can still get implants. We have special ways to handle weaker bone, and implants can actually help keep your jawbone strong over time.
Your body can still connect with implants as you age. The process, called osseointegration, works well at any age. Your bone still joins with the titanium implant, even if you’re older.
Understanding Risks, Bone Density, and Chronic Conditions
Getting dental implants is usually very safe, especially when we check your health carefully first. Most problems are small and easy to treat. When we understand any possible risks, we can plan the safest and best treatment for you.
As we get older, our bones naturally become less dense. But this usually doesn’t stop someone from getting implants. We use advanced 3D images to look at your bone closely. If there isn’t enough bone, we can do a bone graft to build a strong base for your implants.
A bone graft may sound scary, but it doesn’t usually feel that way. We place special bone material where your natural bone has shrunk. Over time, this material blends with your bone and makes enough space for an implant. Most people say the procedure is easier than expected.
Many older adults have heart disease, but this doesn’t mean you can’t get implants. We’ll talk to your heart doctor and make sure you’re healthy before surgery. For some patients, taking antibiotics before surgery can help avoid problems.
If you take blood thinners, we’ll work with your doctor to make sure you stay safe. Sometimes, you can keep taking them during surgery with a few extra steps to protect you.
Request a Consultation
Dental implants for seniors in our New Orleans, LA office offer best function, comfort, and longevity for missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, implants give seniors confident smiles that last for decades. If you want to replace your removable denture with implants, call 504-385-1092. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Canatella online.