
Dental Implants
Implants or Dentures After 50: Which Is Right for You?
Missing teeth affect how you eat, speak and even how your face ages. Here’s an honest look at implants, dentures and the options in between.
· 6 min read
Implants · Crowns · Cosmetic & Anti-Aging Dentistry
Replace missing teeth, rebuild worn ones and refresh your look with Dr. Darrell J. Morton, DMD, MBA, FAGD. Trusted by neighbors in Big Canoe, Bent Tree, Jasper and Dawsonville for implant, crown, cosmetic and facial esthetic care, all in one calm, unhurried office.

"The quality of his work is breathtaking."
What we do best
Missing teeth, worn crowns and a smile that looks older than you feel are common after 45. Dr. Morton brings implant, restorative, cosmetic and facial esthetic credentials together under one roof, so your whole plan is designed as one.
Replace missing teeth for good
Credentialed implant care for a single tooth, several teeth or a full arch. Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth, and help preserve the jawbone that keeps your face looking full and youthful.
Rebuild worn, cracked or failing teeth
Decades of chewing, grinding and old metal fillings take their toll. Custom porcelain crowns restore strength and a natural look, so you can eat what you love without worry.
A brighter, more confident smile
Porcelain veneers, professional whitening, bonding and complete smile makeovers, designed around your face and personality for a result that looks natural, never “done.”
Turn back the clock, naturally
Certified in facial esthetics by the AAFE, Dr. Morton offers Botox and dermal fillers alongside dental care that restores lost facial support, softening lines and adding lift around the mouth.
Ask the Smile Guide
Ask anything, from replacing missing teeth to looking a little younger. Get friendly, plain-English answers any time, then talk it through with Dr. Morton at a free consultation.
Try asking
The Smile Guide shares general information, not a diagnosis. For pain, swelling or an injury, call us right away.
Smile Guide
Marble Hill Dentistry

Dr. Morton, his wife Paola and their sons Ian, Ethan and Evan call Big Canoe home.
Meet your dentist
DMD, MBA, FAGD
Dr. Morton brings more than two decades of advanced clinical experience, shaped by mentorship from some of the most respected leaders in the profession. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by fewer than 6% of U.S. dentists, and is trained in IV sedation, an advanced skill earned by less than 3% of his peers.
A recognized leader, he has served as Past President of the Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and as a clinical instructor at The Dental College of Georgia, mentoring the next generation of dentists in both technical excellence and compassionate care.
In 2021, Dr. Morton and his family relocated to Big Canoe, inspired by the natural beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Those same values of family, community and purposeful living guide his approach: care that is personal, transparent and grounded in trust.
Exceptional care should go beyond procedures. Every visit is designed to make patients feel known, cared for and genuinely comfortable.
Real stories. Real smiles.
Leigh
On working with Dr. Morton
Esther
On overcoming dental anxiety
Laurie
On her clear aligner journey
Hands down the best dental experience I’ve ever had. Dr. Morton and the entire team go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for. The office is spotless and state-of-the-art, with a calming atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease.
Dr. Morton and his team are simply the best! I have been a patient of his since 2004. His knowledge, skills, and abilities are second to none. The quality of his work is breathtaking, and he makes you feel comfortable and at ease.
I’ve been a patient of Dr Morton for over 5 years. Also had a great experience here and highly recommend him. Very reasonable and doesn’t oversell unnecessary treatments like many dentists do.
You all ever been to Olive Garden? Well their slogan is “when you’re here you’re family.” That is how I felt about here! Thank you for making me feel welcomed. 5 stars all around.

The Marble Hill difference
Everyone deserves a smile they love, without financial barriers.
Most major PPO plans
We file claims for you and help you get the most from your benefits.
CareCredit® financing
Flexible terms, often with interest-free promotional periods.
In-house payment plans
Customized schedules with transparent, upfront pricing.
In most cases, no. Age alone is rarely a barrier. What matters is your overall health, bone density and gum health. Many of our implant patients are in their 60s and 70s. Dr. Morton will evaluate you with advanced imaging and explain every option, including bone grafting if it’s needed.
Traditional dentures can slip, limit what you eat and allow the jawbone to shrink over time, which can make the face look older. Implants, or dentures anchored by implants, stay firmly in place and help preserve bone. We’ll walk you through the pros, cons and costs of each so you can make the right choice.
With good home care and regular checkups, a well-made porcelain crown often lasts 15 years or longer. If you have older crowns or metal fillings that are wearing out, we can evaluate them and replace them with natural-looking, tooth-colored restorations.
Yes. Worn, short or missing teeth reduce support for the lips and cheeks, which deepens lines around the mouth. Restoring tooth length and shape with crowns, veneers or implants can visibly lift the lower face. Combined with Botox or fillers, the result is a refreshed look that still feels like you.
Dentists work with the muscles, nerves and structures of the face every day. Dr. Morton is certified in facial esthetics by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and can plan injectables together with your smile, so your teeth and face look balanced.
Yes. Sedation is very safe when administered by a trained professional. Dr. Morton is trained in IV sedation, a skill held by fewer than 3% of dentists, and follows strict safety protocols to ensure your comfort and well-being throughout your procedure.
We welcome most major PPO dental insurance plans and will file claims on your behalf. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care, but some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits. Call us and our team will check your coverage and give you a clear, upfront estimate.
We offer CareCredit®, a healthcare credit card with flexible terms and often interest-free promotional periods, as well as customized in-house payment plans. We also accept major credit cards and cash.
Absolutely. We offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. Dr. Morton is trained in IV sedation, a skill held by fewer than 3% of dentists. After oral or IV sedation you’ll need someone to drive you home.
We’re at 171 Foothills Pkwy in Marble Hill, an easy drive for patients in Big Canoe, Bent Tree, Jasper and Dawsonville. Dr. Morton and his family live in Big Canoe, so this is our community too.
From the blog

Dental Implants
Missing teeth affect how you eat, speak and even how your face ages. Here’s an honest look at implants, dentures and the options in between.
· 6 min read

Crowns & Restorations
Dental work from decades ago doesn’t last forever. Learn the warning signs and how modern porcelain restorations can strengthen and brighten your smile.
· 5 min read

Anti-Aging
Worn or missing teeth can deepen lines and thin the lips. Here’s how restorative dentistry and facial esthetics work together for a naturally refreshed look.
· 6 min read

Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers, whitening and bonding aren’t just for the young. Why more adults in their 50s and 60s are investing in a smile that matches how they feel.
· 5 min read
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