Full-Arch Dental Implants for the Elderly

Schedule your appointment for full-arch dental implants for the elderly — a lasting solution to restore comfort, confidence, and function to your smile.

You have worked hard to reach this stage of life. Whether you are enjoying retirement, spending time with grandchildren, or pursuing hobbies you put off for years, you deserve to do it all without worrying about your teeth. When dentures slip at dinner, a crisp apple feels out of reach, or you feel self-conscious about your smile, it’s easy to lose confidence and miss out on moments that should be full of joy. Many adults over 55 find themselves facing extensive tooth loss due to decades of wear, gum disease, or failing dental work from years past.

Full-arch dental implants at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center offer a permanent solution designed for your active lifestyle. Dr. Douglas L. Johnson understands the unique needs of mature adults and provides implant options that restore both function and confidence. With procedures performed under IV sedation for your comfort, you can finally stop managing troublesome dentures and start living fully again. Call (904) 460-0505 to learn if you are a candidate.

Why Adults Over 55 Choose Full-Arch Implants

Traditional dentures may have served your parents’ generation, but you expect more from life. You want to travel without packing denture adhesive, enjoy restaurant meals without anxiety, and look your best in photos with your family.

Full-arch dental implants replace an entire upper or lower set of teeth using four to six dental implant posts placed into your jawbone. These posts support a fixed bridge of custom teeth you never remove. Unlike dentures, implants stay firmly in place while you eat, speak, and laugh. You clean them like natural teeth by brushing and flossing, eliminating the nightly soaking routine.

The benefits extend beyond convenience. Implants stimulate your jawbone the same way natural tooth roots do, preventing the bone loss that causes the sunken facial appearance common with long-term denture wear. This preservation of your facial structure helps you maintain a more youthful appearance as you age. Many patients report feeling years younger after replacing failing teeth or ill-fitting dentures with secure implants.

Understanding Your Candidacy at This Life Stage

Your age is not a barrier to dental implants. In fact, many oral surgeons find that patients in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond make excellent candidates for dental implants. What matters most is your overall health, bone quality, and commitment to the process.

During your consultation, Dr. Johnson evaluates several factors. Adequate jawbone volume is essential, though bone grafting procedures can rebuild areas where bone has deteriorated. We discuss any health conditions you manage, such as diabetes or heart disease, to ensure proper treatment planning. Well-controlled medical conditions rarely prevent implant placement.

If you smoke, quitting before treatment significantly improves healing and success rates. We guide you through this process and connect you with resources if needed. Certain medications, particularly those affecting bone density, require consideration in your treatment plan. Bringing a complete list of your medications to your consultation helps us provide the safest care.

Many patients worry about the time commitment. While full-arch implant treatment spans several months from start to finish, the actual time in our office is minimal. Most patients appreciate that the investment now provides a solution lasting 20 years or more, eliminating the ongoing hassle of denture adjustments and replacements.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What Makes This Different From the Dentures You Know

If you currently wear dentures or watched your parents struggle with them, you may assume all tooth replacement options involve adhesives, adjustment appointments, and dietary restrictions. Full-arch implants change everything.

Fixed implant bridges stay in your mouth 24 hours a day. You sleep with them in place. You brush them like natural teeth. There are no adhesives to buy, no soaking solutions, no embarrassing slipping during conversations. You bite into a steak or corn on the cob without worry.

The stability comes from the titanium posts fused directly to your jawbone through a natural process called osseointegration. This creates a foundation as secure as natural tooth roots. Implant-supported overdentures offer a middle option if you prefer removable teeth but want more stability than traditional dentures provide. These use implants as anchor points while allowing you to remove the denture for cleaning.

Your Treatment Journey

Your path to full-arch implants begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Johnson uses advanced 3D imaging to assess your bone structure and plan precise implant placement. This technology allows us to identify potential challenges before surgery and create a detailed roadmap for your procedure.

If you have remaining teeth that need removal, we typically perform extractions on the same day as implant placement. In many cases, you leave our office with a temporary set of teeth, so you never go without a smile during healing. This “teeth in a day” approach minimizes disruption to your life.

The procedure takes place at our AAAHC-accredited surgical facility under IV sedation. You remain comfortable throughout while our team of certified surgical assistants and registered nurse practitioner support Dr. Johnson. Most patients report little memory of the procedure and manage any discomfort easily with prescribed medications.

Following surgery, you follow a modified diet while your implants heal and integrate with your bone over several months. You return for periodic checkups as we monitor your progress. Once healing completes, typically after three to six months, we work with your restorative dentist to fabricate and attach your final custom bridge. These permanent teeth are designed to look natural and function beautifully for years to come.

Our Reviews

Planning for This Investment in Your Future

We understand that those on a fixed retirement income carefully consider major expenses. While full-arch implants require an upfront investment, many patients find the long-term value outweighs the initial cost. Traditional dentures need replacement every five to seven years, with ongoing costs for adjustments, relines, and adhesives. Implants typically last decades with proper care.

We work with several major dental insurance providers, including Delta Dental, Humana, and Cigna Dental. Our team files claims as a courtesy for all PPO plans and helps you understand your coverage. Many plans cover at least a portion of implant treatment. We discuss all costs clearly during your consultation so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Reclaim Your Quality of Life at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center

You have decades ahead to enjoy life to the fullest. Do not let tooth loss or uncomfortable dentures hold you back from the activities, foods, and experiences you deserve. Dr. Douglas L. Johnson completed his residency at the University of Florida and a prestigious fellowship in facial cosmetics and reconstruction, bringing advanced training to every procedure. He holds diplomate certifications from both the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, ensuring you receive care from a highly qualified professional.

Our team welcomes mature adults who want a permanent solution to tooth loss. We take time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and create a treatment plan suited to your health needs and lifestyle goals. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how full-arch dental implants can transform your retirement years.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.