For those missing all of their upper or lower teeth, dental implants offer a range of secure and comfortable tooth replacement options. With the right implant treatment plan, even patients with no remaining teeth can enjoy the confidence, function, and quality of life that comes with a strong, attractive smile.
Dental Implants for Seniors Ages 55+
For many patients aged 55 and older, missing teeth can make it difficult to enjoy favorite foods, speak clearly, or smile confidently. At Kalispell Oral Surgery, our oral surgeons focus on restoring function and comfort for seniors with advanced dental implant options. Whether you need to replace a single tooth or get a full arch restoration using All on-4 or full-mouth dental implants, we provide treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Compared to bridges or traditional dentures, which can loosen over time and affect speech or chewing, dental implants are directly anchored into the jawbone. This offers a stable, long-lasting base for replacement teeth that look and feel natural. Many of our senior patients find implants to be the most comfortable and reliable solution, enabling them to enjoy their favorite foods, maintain a youthful appearance, and experience a better quality of life. If you’re ready to explore your options, we invite you to schedule a consultation and see how dental implants can transform your smile at any age.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a confident, lasting smile.
Treatment Options for Missing All Lower Teeth
If you’ve lost all your lower teeth, you’re not alone. Many dental patients struggle with wearing and eating with traditional lower dentures. Fortunately, several stable and comfortable implant-supported and implant-retained tooth solutions are available.
Snap-On Denture with Ball Attachments
For this option, two dental implants are strategically placed in your lower jaw. Your new denture will snap securely onto these implants using ball attachment anchors. While more stable than conventional dentures, some movement can still occur during chewing. Food debris can get trapped, causing sore spots. Periodic denture adjustments are needed.
Bar-Retained Overdenture
This technique involves placing 4-6 implants in your lower jaw, depending on its size and shape. After healing, a custom support bar connects the implants. Your new overdenture has internal clips that allow it to snap firmly onto the bar, minimizing irritating denture shifting. The overdenture is removable for easy cleaning.
Screw Retained Overdenture
With this method, 4+ implants anchor a permanent non-removable prosthetic in place using screws or clasps. The prosthetic hovers over your gums, eliminating sore spots. Cleaning under the prosthetic takes more dexterity but eliminates removal. Many prefer this fixed, permanent solution.
Treatment Options for Missing All Upper Teeth
Similar options exist for people missing all the teeth in the upper jaw. Depending on your particular needs and oral health, you may need more implants since the upper jaw is less dense.
Implant supported prosthetic
With enough implants placed, you can avoid covering the roof of your mouth with a traditional full palate prosthetic. This gives you an improved sense of taste and temperature. The prosthetic clips onto implants but is removable for easy cleaning.
