Senior Dentistry

As you age, you may need to make a few changes in the way you care for your teeth and gums. We can provide you with valuable information to have healthy teeth and gums.

If you’re missing teeth, you can be fitted with implants and begin using a stabilized denture immediately. You must be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant(s). You must be willing to see your dentist or dental specialist several times until the work is done, and take very good care of your implant(s). It should be noted that smoking can cause an implant to fail. In addition, implants can cost more than other kinds of replacement teeth.

For those patients who have not yet had their teeth removed, and those who have been without teeth for less than five years, you should understand that it is normal for bone to shrink if it no longer has teeth to support. This causes the bone to ‘melt away’, and create a flat surface which is impossible for a denture to sit stable on; thus creating a rocking/rubbing effect and causes sores in the mouth. (see photos) A bone graft can build up the bone so it can support an implant. When a bone graft is done bone is added to the area where your jawbone has shrunk so that an implant can be placed. If you would like to know if you are a candidate for implants, an examination and x-rays with Dr. Sam is only a phone call away.