Senior Implant Dentures, Even at an Advanced Age

Chief Director Lee Jang-wook

Hello.

A place that does its best

for a healthy smile

This is Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

Not long ago, a 72-year-old patient came into the treatment room with her daughter. She had been using dentures for more than 20 years, but recently the dentures had started slipping, making meals uncomfortable. She had difficulty chewing properly at family gatherings and always had to be careful, and when eating with her grandchildren, she said it was emotionally uncomfortable.

"Doctor, to be honest, is it possible to get implants at my age? Even when I look into senior implant denture cases, people around me say it gets difficult when you're older." Her voice, as she asked cautiously, carried both hope and worry. Her daughter beside her also said, "I was so concerned because my mother seemed to have such a hard time eating these days." That scene is still vividly memorable to me.

We take responsibility for your dental health.

Age is just a number

Many people think that as they get older, it becomes difficult to receive treatments like senior implant dentures. However, age itself is not a barrier to implants. In fact, for those who are older and have difficulty coming in for multiple visits, or for those considering full-mouth implants, full-arch implants can be a suitable option.

In her case, the CT scan showed significant resorption of the jawbone. In the past, bone grafting would likely have been needed first, but by using 3D navigation technology, implants can often be placed at special angles and positions, making it possible in many cases to proceed without bone grafting. We explained this approach to her and decided to proceed with a full-arch implant treatment using four implants to help restore function across the entire lower jaw.

Surgery day, and after that On the day of surgery, the implants were placed precisely in the planned positions through a mock surgery, and in some cases a temporary prosthesis can be fitted on the same day. The surgery took about two and a half hours, and by applying a flapless method, we helped shorten the recovery period. Her expression of relief as she said, "It doesn't hurt as much as I thought," was especially memorable.

When she returned a month later for the final prosthesis, her expression had brightened considerably. Her daughter said, "These days, my mother looks forward to mealtime. Before, eating was such a burden." We aim for natural aesthetics by using pink porcelain and zirconia materials.

Regaining the joy of everyday life The part most people considering senior implant dentures are curious about is chewing power. Compared with regular dentures, full-arch implants can provide stronger chewing force. This is because the prosthesis fixed on 4 to 6 implants does not move at all inside the mouth.

Three months later, when she came in for a routine checkup, she said this: "I can bite into an apple now. When I go out to eat with my grandchildren, I can eat comfortably without feeling self-conscious anymore." It was not just the dental function that was restored, but the joy of everyday life as well.

Are you worried about your health condition? Even people with diabetes or high blood pressure can usually undergo the procedure if their conditions are well controlled. However, because there are individual differences depending on overall health status, a thorough examination is necessary. We assess the condition of the jawbone and oral structure through CT scans and create an optimized plan for each person.

Another patient was a 78-year-old man whose jawbone had become significantly weakened due to long-term denture use. He was very worried at first, but after surgery, he was surprised that the recovery process went more smoothly than expected. I remember how happy he was when he said, "I never thought I could receive treatment like this at my age."

Things worth knowing

Here are some points that may be helpful to know when considering senior implant dentures.

It is more economical than replacing all teeth with individual implants. The cost varies depending on the individual's oral condition, the materials used, and whether additional procedures are needed, but this is because the entire arch can be restored with only 4 to 6 implants.

Since a temporary prosthesis is fitted on the day of surgery, you do not have to go without teeth. During the temporary prosthesis period, you should avoid hard or tough foods, and after the final prosthesis is fitted, you can eat most foods freely.

With proper care and regular checkups, it can often be used for a long time. We support ongoing care through regular checkups and recommend follow-up visits every six months.

Preparation before surgery is also important. Tests such as CT scans and oral scans are performed, and if necessary, extraction of existing teeth or gum treatment may be done first. If you smoke, quitting is recommended before and after surgery. Care is the same as for natural teeth. Daily proper brushing and flossing are necessary, and regular checkups and scaling are important. We provide customized care guidance to those who visit us.

 Don't give up You do not need to give up on quality treatment just because you are older. In fact, because you are older, you may need more comfortable and efficient treatment. Options like senior implant dentures can improve your quality of life.

When people who first come in cautiously later greet us with bright smiles after a few months, I also feel a sense of fulfillment. Many people are experiencing positive changes in their daily lives through implants. If you have any questions, please feel free to visit us anytime. We support your healthy smile.

Previous image Next image

▲ [Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic] We provide treatment in a warm and clean atmosphere.

▼ Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic YouTube ▼

Previous image Next image

Previous image Next image