Patrick Pedlar

Patrick Pedlar
Dentist in Burlington

We get a lot of seniors coming to visit us and one of the most common questions they ask is whether dental implants are still an option at their age, and the honest answer is yes, you’d be amazed at how many of them work incredibly effectively for older folks. Losing teeth as we get older is a lot more common than people think, and it can have a real impact on the way someone eats, speaks and even how they feel about themselves. Dental implants for seniors in Burlington are one of the things we get asked about most, and we’re happy to go through everything you can expect before you even step foot in our office. Preventive Care focuses on protecting your teeth and gums before problems develop. Through routine dental exams, professional cleanings, digital imaging, and personalized oral hygiene guidance, Preventive Care helps detect cavities, gum disease, and other concerns early while supporting long-term oral health.


The thing is as we age the jaw bone starts to shrink, particularly in places where teeth have been missing for a long time. So before we start talking about any treatment we take a really close look at each patient’s individual needs. Our goal with Restorative Dentistry is to get your teeth back to being as good as new, and we do that by working out a treatment plan that’s just right for you.  Advanced Dental Technology improves the accuracy, comfort, and efficiency of modern dental treatments. With tools such as digital imaging, intraoral scanners, and computer-guided diagnostics, Advanced Dental Technology allows dentists to identify issues sooner and deliver more precise, comfortable care.

A dental implant is essentially a little post, usually made of titanium, that we insert into the jaw bone and it acts as a root for a new tooth. It then fuses with the bone over time, creating a solid base for a crown, bridge or even a pair of dentures. Something we want to make it clear to seniors is that age isn’t a barrier for implants. What matters more is the overall health of the patient, the state of their gums and how much bone is available to support the implant. Sometimes people may need a bone graft before we can fit the implant in, and that’s completely fine. We also do a full check on the patient’s medical history and any medications they’re on, just to make sure we’ve got everything covered and that the process is as safe and seamless as possible.

A lot of seniors in Burlington have already had this treatment with us and been over the moon with the results. It has made such a big difference to their quality of life to be able to eat the foods they love again or smile without feeling self-conscious, people tell us all the time. As a Prosthodontist I’m specifically trained in replacing and restoring teeth and I’ve seen my fair share of success stories like this. I know the little things that make a replacement tooth look and feel real and I use that knowledge at every appointment. 

Now we’re not going to sugar coat it. Dental implants for seniors in Burlington aren’t a quick fix. The whole process takes several months from start to finish and it does require a bit of time to recover. But the long term payoff is worth it. The implants stay in place and you just need to look after them with a bit of regular brushing and flossing, unlike dentures which can slip or need to be adjusted all the time. We’re here to answer any questions you might have and make sure each patient is comfortable and informed every step of the way before any treatment goes ahead.