Dental Care for Seniors: Meeting the Needs of Elderly Patients
Dr. Nicholas Perry Orchard provides the people of Corpus Christi with comprehensive general dentistry services focused on improving dental health and general wellness. Patients who are older require special attention given the natural effects of aging. It’s important for dentists to tailor treatments to the needs of patients given their individual needs as well as age-specific concerns with regard to dental health. Below are some of the basic concerns that we will consider when it comes to dental care for seniors.
Treatments for Missing Teeth
Many times elderly patients will be missing a few teeth, sometimes many teeth. Part of the dental care treatment for the elderly will thus involve various means to replace missing teeth. In a number of cases, this means using removable dental appliances, such as bridges and dentures. For certain patients, the right option for treating missing teeth is placing dental implants, which are artificial tooth roots surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue in order to support a bridge or denture.
Treatments for Advanced Tooth Decay and Damage
The regular wear and tear on the teeth as well as other sources of injury and damage can lead to major structural flaws in tooth structure. That’s why dental care of seniors also often involves the use of advanced dental restorations, such as inlays, onlays, and crowns. These will help restore the strength and stability of the teeth so patients can bite and chew as they normally would.
Treatments for Gum Recession and Periodontal Health
Problems with the gums are common for many seniors. Multiple cases of gum disease can take its toll on the mouth over a long period of time, and gum recession can lead to tooth loss and the exposure of the root structure of the teeth. In both such cases, there are numerous options for improving a patient’s periodontal health.
Addressing Persistent Dry Mouth
One thing that many older patients do not expect to experience as they get older is persistent or chronic dry mouth. The salivary glands will slow their production of saliva over time, leading to issues with dry mouth. There are numerous artificial saliva products that we will recommend to elderly patients, and we will also be sure to provide tips for management of dry mouth independent of these products.
Regular Screenings for Oral Cancer
The risk of oral cancer goes up with age, particularly if there are other risk factors involved. During visits with the dentist, special attention will be paid to any signs of oral cancer via x-rays or close-up examinations.
Comprehensive General Dentistry Services
In addition to all of the above, the basics of dental care will still be considered. That means regular checkups to make sure that your smile is as healthy as it can be. At all ages, the fundamentals of dental care will remain generally the same.
Schedule a Consultation at Robertson and Orchard D.D.S.
For more information about dental care services for the elderly and what can be done to help you have a healthy smile for years to come, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. At Orchard D.D.S., we will work closely with patients to help them have the healthiest smiles possible.