Dental Implants for Seniors: What You Should Know

As we age, tooth loss can become more common. Luckily, dental implants for seniors can help offer a long-lasting solution with the ability to restore your smile. Let’s explore how senior dental implants work, the steps that may occur throughout this procedure, and whether implants are covered by dental insurance.

4 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Dental implants are placed in your jawbone and bond with your natural bone, making them a base for artificial teeth.¹
This dental implant procedure may require several steps, including X-rays, implant placement, abutment placement, and prosthetic teeth attachment.
Dental implants typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 and are not always covered by dental insurance²

How dental implants for seniors work

Dental implants are small, titanium rods shaped like screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone to imitate a tooth’s root. The implant will bond with your natural bone, becoming a base to which a dentist will attach a false tooth, known as a dental crown. A connector, known as an abutment, is placed on top of the implant to hold the crown in place. These custom-made artificial teeth will help fill the gaps in your smile and make it easier to chew and talk.¹

What can seniors expect during the dental implant procedure?

The dental implant procedure may look different depending on the patient’s individual situation, but here are the steps that may occur:¹

Initial consultation: A dentist or oral surgeon will examine your mouth, take X-rays, take impressions of your teeth, and discuss implant options before scheduling your surgery.
Pre-implant procedures: In some cases, you may need additional procedures before getting dental implants, like a tooth extraction or bone grafting. The additional procedure will take place before your implant surgery.
Implant placement: During dental implant surgery, your dentist or surgeon will place the dental implant in your jaw, providing the base for your dental crown. Usually, this process involves IV sedation or local anesthesia to numb your mouth and will require a few months of post-implant recovery before the next step. During this time, your implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Once your gums heal and your implant is stable, you can move to the next step.
Abutment placement: When the implant has bonded with your jawbone, your dentist will place the abutment on the implant. Sometimes, this is done at the same time as the implant, which can save you an appointment.
Crown attachment: After the abutment is on, the dentist will make an individual crown, an implant-supported bridge, or dentures containing multiple replacement teeth.
Check-ups: Artificial teeth do not decay, but they still need routine care to keep looking their best. This includes brushing and flossing regularly and getting a professional cleaning twice a year. Depending on your procedure and dentist, they may want to see you more frequently to care for your dentures.

The entire process may depend on factors such as the number of implants needed and whether you require any pre-implant procedures, but it typically takes several months.

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How to take care of dental implants for seniors

Dental implants for seniors can have a high success rate, but you still have a responsibility to take care of them to ensure their continued health.

Visit the dentist regularly

Most of us get a dental cleaning about every six months. Your dentist will likely expect you to continue making these visits but may want to see you more frequently to ensure your implants’ health.

Maintain good oral hygiene

You should take care of your artificial teeth just as you would natural teeth by keeping your teeth and gums clean, seeing your dentist regularly, and avoiding damaging habits.¹

Avoid hard and sticky foods

Hard foods like hard candy and sticky foods like caramels or toffee may risk destabilizing your implants.

Avoid smoking

Typically, smoking won’t decay your artificial teeth, however, it can lead to gum disease, which may destabilize the implants.

Dental implants vs. dentures for seniors

Generally, the primary difference between dentures and dental implants for seniors is permanence. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration, while dentures are removable and can rely on adhesives or clasps.¹

Implants are usually durable enough to handle daily chewing and biting, providing a stable, natural feel that helps with speaking. You don’t have to take them out at night for cleaning, since they work just like real teeth.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

Dental insurance may not cover dental implants if the procedure is for cosmetic reasons. If the implant is deemed medically necessary, dental insurance may cover parts of the procedure, but it will likely not cover the entire cost. Additionally, the level of coverage may depend on your plan. Currently, Aflac dental insurance does not offer coverage for implants.

Learn more about dental insurance for seniors

Although Aflac dental insurance does not cover dental implants for seniors, we do offer coverage for preventative care, basic services, and major services that seniors may need for their oral care. From routine exams and cleanings to coverage for dental fillings, root canals and more, seniors can help reduce their out-of-pocket costs with Aflac dental insurance. Learn more about Aflac’s coverages and get a policy quote by chatting with an agent today.

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