For many seniors living in Lakewood and Tacoma, the “golden years” should be about enjoying family gatherings at Wapato Park or sharing a meal at a favorite local bistro. However, it is hard to stay social and active when you are constantly worried about loose dentures clicking or falling out at the wrong moment. Many older adults believe they are “too old” for dental implants, but at the office of Dr. Kevin Kim, DDS, we know that age is just a number. Geriatric Dental Implants are a safe and life-changing solution for our senior neighbors who want to trade their messy denture adhesives for a smile that feels as strong as their natural teeth once did.

As we get older, our jawbone naturally begins to thin, especially if we have been missing teeth for a long time. This bone loss is what often makes traditional dentures feel loose and uncomfortable. As an expert Dental Implant Periodontist, Dr. Kevin Kim specializes in working with the unique bone density of older patients. We use CBCT 3D Imaging to find the thickest areas of bone, often avoiding the need for big surgeries. Even if you have been told your bone is too thin, Dr. Kim can often use gentle techniques like Socket Preservation or Mini Implants to give you the stability you need to eat apples, steaks, and crunchy vegetables again.

Health is the most important factor for Geriatric Dental Implants, not birth dates. Dr. Kim has successfully placed implants for patients in their 80s and 90s. We take extra care to review your medications, especially blood thinners or bone-density drugs, and we coordinate directly with your primary doctor in Tacoma to ensure everything is safe. Because healing can take a little longer as we age, we use “Stress Reduction Protocols” and gentle Sedation Dentistry to make sure you are comfortable. We also focus on Implant-Retained Overdentures, which snap onto implants to stop that “rocking” feeling that causes painful gum sores.

The benefits of getting implants later in life go beyond just a pretty smile. When you can chew properly, your nutrition improves, which helps your heart and your energy levels. Plus, implants stimulate the jawbone to keep it from shrinking, which helps keep your face from looking “sunken in” or prematurely aged. If you want to learn more about how modern dentistry helps seniors, we recommend visiting the American Academy of Periodontology or the National Institute on Aging for tips on oral health as you age. Dr. Kevin Kim and the team at Dental Health Associates are here to help you live your best life with a smile you can count on.