Comprehensive Senior Dental Care in Atlanta, GA
Tooth loss is far more common than most people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 adults aged 65 and older have lost six or more teeth, and 1 in 6 adults have lost all of their natural teeth. Tooth loss in adults often involves the loss of one or more teeth due to causes such as gum disease, injury, or other oral health issues.
But here’s the good news: with consistent preventive care and modern restorative options, seniors today can keep their natural teeth—including their permanent teeth—and their confidence for life.
Our goal is to help every patient maintain strong, healthy teeth at every age. We emphasize the importance of preserving permanent teeth throughout adulthood. Whether you’ve already lost teeth or want to prevent future loss, our team offers personalized care to preserve your smile and quality of life.
Call our Atlanta dentist today at (404) 524-1981 to schedule your dental exam and protect your smile. We proudly serve patients in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and surrounding areas with dental care that prioritizes your optimal oral health and comfort.
Why Tooth Loss Is So Common Among Older Adults
Tooth loss doesn’t just “happen with age.” It’s usually the result of preventable oral health issues—particularly gum disease and untreated decay. These are both types of oral disease, which also include other conditions that can lead to tooth loss if not properly managed. According to the CDC, nearly 70% of adults aged 65 and older have gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, characterized by gum inflammation, redness, swelling, and bleeding. It is reversible with proper oral hygiene and dental cleanings, but if left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe, irreversible form of gum disease that involves inflammation, tissue destruction, and bone loss, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
Common contributors include:
- Years of plaque buildup and gum inflammation—infection from bacteria can contribute to tissue and bone destruction
- Poor-fitting dental restorations or dentures
- Dry mouth from medications
- Uncontrolled diabetes or other systemic health issues
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Delaying dental visits or cleanings
If you believe you or a loved one is at risk, schedule a dental evaluation in Atlanta right away by calling (404) 524-1981.
The True Cost of Tooth Loss—Financial and Health Impacts
Tooth loss affects more than your appearance—it impacts your nutrition, confidence, and overall health. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat balanced meals, leading to nutrient deficiencies that worsen systemic conditions. Tooth loss also accelerates bone resorption (shrinkage of the jawbone), which can cause facial sagging and complicate future dental treatments.
| Stage of Tooth Loss | If Treated Early | If Left Untreated |
| Single Missing Tooth | $1,000–$2,000 for a dental implant or bridge | Surrounding teeth shift, risking bone loss |
| Multiple Missing Teeth | $3,000–$6,000 for partial dentures or implants | Difficulty eating, jawbone shrinkage |
| Complete Tooth Loss | Preventable with early care | $15,000+ for full dentures or full-arch implants |
Replacing missing teeth early helps preserve jawbone health and prevents neighboring teeth from drifting or weakening.
How Our Atlanta Dentist Helps Prevent and Treat Tooth Loss
At Thomas W. Kauffman, DDS, our dentist near you takes a preventive, whole-health approach to senior dental care. During your visit, our team will:
- Perform a comprehensive oral and periodontal exam
- Use digital X-rays to assess bone and root health
- Evaluate your bite and restorations for stability and function
- Screen for early signs of gum disease or bone loss
- Provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated through regular home care
Root planing may be recommended as a deep cleaning procedure to treat gum disease by smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. Cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces helps prevent bacteria from reattaching and promotes healthier gums.
If damage or tooth loss has already occurred, we offer several restorative options to rebuild your smile, including:
- Tooth-colored fillings and crowns to repair decay or fractures
- Dental implants for permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement
- Dental bridges and partial dentures to restore multiple missing teeth
- Full-mouth rehabilitation for patients with complex needs, which may involve soft tissue management procedures such as gum grafting or guided tissue regeneration
The choice of therapy depends on the severity of the disease and other factors specific to each patient.
Our goal is to help you regain full function, comfort, and confidence—no matter your age.
How Tooth Loss Affects Your Overall Health
Oral health and systemic health are deeply connected. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that tooth loss is linked to an increased risk of:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes complications
- Malnutrition and reduced immune response
By protecting your teeth, you’re also protecting your heart, brain, and body.
Diagnosis and Screening: Catching Problems Early for Better Outcomes
Early detection is the key to preventing the serious consequences of gum disease and other periodontal diseases. Regular dental visits are essential for catching problems before they lead to tooth loss, bone loss, or more complex health issues. At each appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist will carefully examine your mouth for warning signs such as bleeding gums, puffy gums, bad breath, and changes in gum tissue. These symptoms can be early indicators of periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, may result in loose or sensitive teeth, tooth decay, and even missing teeth.
The American Dental Association strongly recommends routine screenings to help identify risk factors for gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes mellitus, and poor nutrition. During your visit, your dental professional will assess your oral health by checking for loose teeth, measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums (probing), and taking X-rays to evaluate bone levels around your teeth. This comprehensive approach helps detect even the mildest form of gum disease before it progresses to more severe stages.
Tips to Keep Your Natural Teeth for Life
Tooth loss is largely preventable with the right habits and regular dental visits. Here’s what our Atlanta dental team recommends for lifelong oral health:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
– Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle circular motions. - Floss or use a water flosser daily.
– This removes plaque and food debris between teeth. - Stay hydrated and manage dry mouth.
– Sip water often and ask about dry mouth solutions if taking medications. - Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol.
– Both increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. - Eat a nutrient-rich diet.
– Include foods high in calcium, vitamin D, and fiber to strengthen teeth and gums. - See your dentist every six months.
– Routine visits catch early signs of decay, gum disease, or bone loss.
Comfortable, Judgment-Free Dental Care for Seniors
We understand that dental care can feel intimidating—especially if it’s been years since your last visit or you’ve experienced tooth loss. Our Atlanta dentist offers:
- Gentle, compassionate care at every stage of treatment
- Sedation dentistry options for anxious patients
- Flexible financing and transparent pricing
- A team that treats you with respect, not judgment
You deserve a healthy, confident smile—no matter your age or dental history.
Protect Your Smile—and Your Confidence—for Life
Even if you’ve already lost teeth, it’s never too late to take control of your oral health. With modern treatments and compassionate care, you can restore your smile and prevent future loss.
Call our dentist in Atlanta at (404) 524-1981 to schedule your appointment today. We proudly serve patients in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta, and surrounding areas with dental care that prioritizes your optimal oral health and comfort.