Dental Implants for Seniors

Dental implants for seniors can replace missing teeth and restore your smile. While Aflac network dental insurance plans for individuals and families don't offer coverage for dental implants, they do cover a wide range of other procedures. Let's explore how senior dental implants work, what to expect during the procedure, and whether implants are covered by dental insurance.

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Dental implants are placed in your jawbone and bond with your natural bone, making them a durable base for artificial teeth.
Dental implants generally cost between $3,000 and $7,000 and aren't typically covered by dental insurance.¹
While Aflac network dental insurance doesn't cover dental implants for seniors, we do offer coverage for preventive, basic and major services.

How do dental implants for seniors work?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts shaped like screws. Your dentist will surgically place these posts into your jawbone to serve as the root of your replacement tooth, called a dental crown.

Dental implants bond with your natural bone over time, providing a strong base for your artificial tooth. Your dentist will place a connector, known as an abutment, on top of the implant to hold the crown in place.

What are the benefits of senior dental implants?

Dental implants can help fill gaps in your smile and improve your oral health in several ways. Most notably, they can:

Restore your ability to chew comfortably so you can enjoy a wider variety of foods.
Improve your speech clarity.
Enhance the appearance of your smile.
Stimulate your jawbone and slow the bone loss that can occur after tooth loss.²

What can seniors expect during the dental implant procedure?

The dental implant procedure may look different depending on each patient’s individual situation. However, some common steps include:

Initial consultation: A dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth, take X-rays and impressions of your teeth, and discuss your implant options before scheduling surgery.
Pre-implant procedures: In some cases, you may need additional procedures before getting dental implants, such as a tooth extraction or bone graft.
Implant placement: During dental implant surgery, your dentist or surgeon will place the implant into your jawbone. You may receive IV sedation or local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. After surgery, it can take a few months for your implant to fuse with your jawbone using a process called osseointegration.
Abutment placement: Once the implant has bonded with your jawbone, your dentist will place an abutment on the implant.
Crown attachment: After securing the abutment, your dentist will place a crown or an implant-supported bridge on top.
Checkups: Artificial teeth don’t decay, but they still need routine care to stay clean and function properly. Along with brushing and flossing regularly and getting a professional cleaning twice a year, you may need to schedule additional checkups with your dentist.

How long does it take to a get dental implant?

The dental implant process timeline can vary depending on the number of implants you need and whether you require any pre-implant procedures. However, the full process typically takes several months.

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How to take care of a dental implant for seniors?

Dental implants for seniors generally have a high success rate, but you still need to take care of them to keep them in good condition. You can do so by:

Visiting your dentist regularly: Most dentists recommend getting a professional dental cleaning every six months. Your dentist may ask you to schedule more frequent appointments to ensure that your implant is in good condition.
Maintaining good oral hygiene: You should care for your artificial teeth the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush and floss them daily, visit your dentist regularly and avoid damaging habits.
Avoiding hard and sticky foods: Hard foods like candy and sticky foods like caramels or toffee may risk destabilizing your implants. As a result, it’s smart to steer clear of them after your procedure.
Stopping smoking: Smoking won’t decay your artificial teeth, but it can still contribute to gum disease, which may hinder osseointegration and impact the stability of your dental implants.³

Dental implants vs. dentures for seniors

Dentures and dental implants both replace missing teeth. However, dental implants offer a more durable, long-lasting solution.

Dental implants: Since implants fuse with your jawbone, they provide a stable foundation for your artificial teeth. They can also help maintain your jawbone’s structure over time.
Dentures: Dentures are removable oral devices that rest on top of your gums and rely on adhesives or clasps to stay in place. While dentures can help restore your smile and improve your ability to chew and speak, they must be removed for regular cleaning and don’t provide the same jawbone stimulation as dental implants.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants for seniors?

Dental insurance typically doesn't cover dental implants. However, if your implant is deemed medically necessary, dental insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. The amount of coverage you’ll receive depends on your plan.

Currently, Aflac network dental insurance plans don’t offer coverage for dental implants. However, these plans can help reduce other out-of-pocket costs for many other dental services, including:

Preventive care, such as routine dental exams, cleanings and X-rays.
Basic services, such as fillings, simple extractions and non-surgical periodontal services.
Major services, such as root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, anesthesia and more.

Explore Aflac dental insurance coverage for seniors

Dental implants can be an effective way to replace missing teeth, but they’re just one of the many dental procedures seniors may require.

From routine cleanings to fillings, crowns and other restorative treatments, Aflac dental insurance can help you reduce your out-of-pocket costs on other essential services.

Want to learn more about our dental insurance options? Chat with an agent and get a personalized quote today!

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