Senior Dental Care

We Handle Older Patients With Many Diseases

In addition, many seniors suffer from various medical ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Older patients with diabetes and heart disease are twice as likely to develop gum disease – the number one cause of adult tooth loss.

As prosthodontists, we take the time needed to comprehensively evaluate our aging population patients’ teeth, gums, joints, and soft tissues. Our geriatric dentist team helps patients with crowns, dentures, bridges, dental exams, gum disease, and more.

Common Dental Problems For Older Patients

During an initial comprehensive dental exam, one of our highly skilled geriatric dentistry prosthodontists will check for common problems that develop. They are able to provide geriatric dental care that takes into account specific health conditions and medications.

Some of these include:

1. Dry Mouth

Although some people have a medical condition that causes dry mouth, many times, dry mouth is a secondary effect of medications. One of our geriatric dentistry specialists can discuss your dry mouth with your physician to see if an alternative medication could help. Other than an annoyance, a dry mouth can create a very bad mouth environment that is very susceptible to cavities and tooth decay.

2. Stained Teeth

Teeth are made up of three layers: the nerve, the dentin, and the enamel. The outer enamel layer wears down gradually over the years. As the enamel becomes thin or disappears, the teeth become more yellow.

In addition, years of dark fluids such as tea and coffee can cause stained teeth. Tobacco can be a contributing factor as well. One of our prosthodontists can provide insight as to how to improve the color of your teeth.

3. Gum Disease

Often caused by plaque, tobacco products, ill-fitting dental devices, and diseases such as cancer and diabetes, gum disease is a serious and common problem for senior patients.

4. Tooth Loss

One in four people over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth due to injury, disease, or decay. Tooth loss is probably the most frequent dental issue troubling seniors in Dallas, Texas. As prosthodontists, we are one of the only ADA-accredited tooth loss and replacement specialists.

Common Questions About Geriatric Dentistry

Here at Pro Dental Dallas, we work predominantly with seniors. With our doctors’ additional training, they can handle the medication list and health concerns of any patient. These are a few common questions we get regarding geriatric dentistry:

What is Senior Dentistry?

As we mentioned, there is no formal designation of dentistry called senior dentistry or geriatric dentistry. However, as you age and have complicated overall health issues as well as complex oral health concerns, it’s best to go to a prosthodontist for dental care services and a treatment plan. A prosthodontist has the ability to create dental treatment plans for elderly individuals.

Should a 90-Year-Old Go To The Dentist?

Absolutely! No matter how old you are, everyone requires dental services to sustain a healthy smile and life. One of the concerns of patients in their 90s is that if their dentures do not fit or they have significant tooth loss, they will become limited in the foods they can eat. This leads to further decline in their health. It’s vital that the aging population receive dental treatment and care services throughout their lives to ensure they get the proper nutrition they need.

How Often Should Elderly Patients Go to The Dentist?

Elderly patients should come into a dental office for their general cleanings at least two times per year. If they have other dental concerns, they should schedule as those problems occur. For example, if they break their denture, have an ill-fitting denture, or have a dental emergency, they should get into the office as soon as possible.

What Causes Loose Teeth in Seniors?

Periodontal disease can cause teeth to become loose. The more plaque that gets built up on the teeth, the weaker the teeth become. Also, as you age, the nerves at the core of the tooth become less sensitive, meaning you could have more damage to your teeth than you realize. This is why it is important to get regular checkups because a senior dentist will see the concerns in your mouth in advance and be able to handle them immediately.

At What Age Do You Stop Going to The Dentist?

As we mentioned, there is never a time you should stop going to the dentist. If you are elderly and home-bound or in a nursing home, you will need to have a dentist who can come to you. Our office does not offer in-home, nursing home, or hospital visits. However, if you are a senior or the caretaker of a senior citizen who needs dental services, contact the hospital near you to see if they have someone they can recommend.