Dental Implants for Seniors Scarborough, ME

A dentist explains the dental implant process to an older patient with implant tooth model.

Tooth loss becomes more common with age, but it does not have to be permanent. Dental implants through Coastal Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery offer seniors a reliable, long-term solution that restores both function and confidence, and more older adults are choosing them than ever before.

What Seniors Need to Know

Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Once they bond with the bone through a process called osseointegration, a custom crown is attached on top. The result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one. Unlike dentures, implants do not slip, click, or require adhesives. They allow patients to eat a full diet, speak clearly, and smile without hesitation.

Are Dental Implants Only for Seniors?

Not at all. Dental implants are placed in adults of all ages, from young adults who have lost a tooth due to injury, to middle-aged patients managing long-term oral health conditions. That said, seniors make up a significant portion of implant candidates simply because tooth loss tends to accumulate over decades. Age alone is not a disqualifying factor. What matters most is the overall health of the patient and the condition of the jawbone at the implant site.

Special Considerations for Seniors

Older adults can absolutely be excellent implant candidates, though there are a few factors worth addressing during a thorough evaluation:

•	Bone density: Years of tooth loss can lead to jawbone resorption. If significant bone loss has occurred, a bone graft may be recommended before implant placement to create a stable foundation.
•	Systemic health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis do not automatically disqualify a patient, but they do require careful coordination with the dental team to ensure safe and successful treatment.
•	Medications: Some medications affect healing or bone metabolism. A complete medication review is part of every pre-implant consultation.
•	Gum health: Active periodontal disease must be treated before implants are placed. Healthy gum tissue is essential for long-term implant success.

Our experienced implant provider at Coastal Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will evaluate all of these factors and work with each patient's medical team when needed to develop a safe, individualized treatment plan.

Myths About Dental Implants for Seniors

Several misconceptions lead older adults to rule out implants before they ever consult with a dentist:

•	"I'm too old for surgery." Age is not the primary concern, overall health is. Many patients in their 70s and 80s are excellent candidates.
•	"My bone is too thin." Bone grafting has made implants accessible to patients who would not have been candidates in the past.
•	"Dentures are good enough." While dentures are a functional option, they do not preserve the jawbone the way implants do, and many patients find them far less comfortable over time.
•	"Recovery will be too difficult." Most patients report manageable discomfort following implant placement, and the healing process is well-supported with modern techniques and aftercare protocols.

Restoring Your Smile Starts with One Conversation

Seniors deserve a complete, confident smile, and dental implants make that possible for more patients than many realize. If you or a loved one has been living with tooth loss, now is a great time to explore what dental implants can do. Contact our Coastal Maine Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery office in Scarborough today at (207) 945-7840 to schedule a consultation and find out whether you are a candidate.

Contact Information

180 US-1
Scarborough, ME 04074-9073

(207) 945-7840
info@cmoms.com

Dental Implants for Seniors Scarborough
Our team provides dental implants for seniors in Scarborough, ME, restoring comfort, function, and confidence with lasting tooth replacement.
Coastal Maine Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 180 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074 \ (207) 945-7840 \ CMOMS.com \ 6/22/2026 \ Page Keywords: Dental Implants Scarborough ME \