You’ve lived with missing teeth for years, maybe decades. You’ve gotten used to avoiding certain foods, learned to smile with your mouth closed, and accepted that this is just how things are. But maybe you don’t have to!
Dental implants at our Lexington office can permanently replace your missing teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They can restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
If you’re a senior in Lexington, KY, you might be wondering if implants are possible for you. You might worry about cost, be confused about Medicare coverage, or think you’re too old.
At Complete Dentistry For All Ages in Lexington, KY, Dr. Morgan Chambers helps patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. She holds an Implant Certification from Alabama Implant Education. She also completed advanced training in surgical procedures during her residency at the University of Kentucky.
Are You Too Old for Implants?
No. Age is not a barrier to dental implants. The key factors are your overall health and your jawbone density. If you’re in good general health and have adequate bone, you’re likely a candidate for implants. Many patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s successfully receive implants.
Dr. Chambers evaluates each patient individually. She considers your medical history, medications, and overall health. She’ll give you honest advice about whether implants are right for you.
Some health conditions can affect implant success. Uncontrolled diabetes, certain autoimmune diseases, and medications that affect bone metabolism may be concerns. These don’t automatically disqualify you. Dr. Chambers will discuss your specific situation and what can be done.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
This is the question we hear most from senior patients. The answer is usually no.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover routine dental care, including dental implants. It also doesn’t cover dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer dental coverage. But coverage varies widely. Some plans cover only cleanings and exams. Others offer more comprehensive coverage. Most don’t cover implants fully.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your benefits. You might have partial coverage for implant treatment.
What About Dental Insurance?
If you have dental insurance through a former employer or a private plan, it may cover part of your implant treatment.
Many dental insurance plans cover:
- The crown portion of the implant
- Extractions if needed
- Bone grafting if medically necessary
They may not cover:
- The implant post itself
- The abutment
- Associated surgical fees
Coverage varies by plan. Our team at Complete Dentistry For All Ages will verify your benefits and explain what’s covered.
We’re an out-of-network provider. That means we work for you, not your insurance company. We’ll file your claims and help you maximize your benefits.
Financing Options for Seniors
If Medicare and insurance don’t cover your implants, you still have options.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use those funds for dental implants. These accounts let you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. That can significantly reduce your effective cost.
Payment Plans
We offer phased treatment plans. This means we can break your treatment into stages and spread the cost over time. You don’t have to pay everything upfront.
CareCredit and Third-Party Financing
We work with CareCredit and other financing partners. These options let you break your treatment into manageable monthly payments. Many plans offer low-interest or no-interest promotional periods for qualified patients.
Senior Discounts
Ask about our senior discount for prepayment in full on larger cases. We do everything we can to make quality dentistry affordable.
Why Implants Are Worth It for Seniors
If you’re wondering whether implants are worth the investment at your age, consider this:
- Quality of Life: Implants let you eat the foods you love. You can bite into an apple. You can enjoy a steak. You can eat without worrying about your dentures slipping.
- Health Benefits: Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, shifting teeth, and bite problems. Implants prevent these issues. They also make it easier to maintain good nutrition, which is essential for overall health as you age.
- Confidence: Many seniors feel self-conscious about missing teeth. Implants restore your smile and your confidence. You can laugh, speak, and socialize without worry.
- Longevity: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime. That’s a better investment than dentures, which need replacing every five to seven years.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
If you’re a senior considering implants, here’s what happens at your consultation with Dr. Chambers.
- Comprehensive Exam: She’ll examine your teeth, gums, and jaw. She’ll take digital X-rays and possibly a CBCT scan to evaluate your bone structure.
- Medical History Review: She’ll review your medical history and medications. She’ll discuss any health conditions that could affect implant success.
- Honest Discussion: She’ll explain your options in plain language. She’ll answer your questions and address your concerns.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: If implants are right for you, she’ll create a plan. She’ll explain the timeline, costs, and available financing options.
Serving Lexington and Central Kentucky
Complete Dentistry For All Ages is conveniently located at 2353 Alexandria Dr, #300 in Lexington, KY. We proudly serve patients from:
- Chevy Chase
- Beaumont
- Palomar
- Hartland
- Andover
- Hamburg
- Masterson Station
- Nicholasville
- Versailles
- Georgetown
- And throughout Fayette County and Central Kentucky
Our office is on the third floor of the Cygnus building, easily accessible via Harrodsburg Road, New Circle Road, and Alexandria Drive. Parking is free and spacious.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation
You’re not too old for implants. Medicare might not cover them, but financing options can make them affordable. The quality-of-life benefits are worth the investment.
Call Complete Dentistry For All Ages at 859-251-3809, or request an appointment online.
Dr. Chambers will evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and help you decide if implants are right for you. You deserve a smile you can be proud of.