Common Dental Treatments for Seniors
When it comes to dental care, being in your “Golden Years” can play a very important role. More than just the number of candles on your next birthday cake, the aging process is associated with certain medical conditions that can hinder your ability to maintain your oral health. For example, if you have arthritis in your hands and fingers, it may be difficult to brush and floss. Or, if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you might be on prescription medications that can affect your oral health.
At Chrisman & Wyse Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Bloomington, we understand the specific concerns of senior patients. Whether you suffer from tooth sensitivity or ill-fitting dentures, we can identify and treat all of your dental problems.
Common Problems for Seniors
Did you know that untreated dental problems may put you at increased risk for more serious conditions, such as infection, nerve damage, and tooth loss? That’s why it’s important to talk with your dentist about any dental problems you may be having. Below are common problems for patients over 60 years old.
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Mouth irritation or infections related to dentures
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Mouth, throat, and tongue cancer
Common Treatments for Seniors
Dental care for senior patients starts with routine check-ups. We offer simple teeth cleanings and oral exams, as well as a range of restorative treatments.
- Regular Check-Ups: Even if you don’t have teeth, we recommend seeing us twice a year for a comprehensive oral exam so that we can check for any signs of oral cancer, such as sores and white patches. If you suffer from dry mouth and cavities - a side effect of many medications - we might recommend a special spray or mouthwash and might also apply a fluoride gel to help protect your teeth. If your teeth are very sensitive, we can assess your gums and recommend certain toothpastes and toothbrushes to help reduce your symptoms.
- Dental Implants: If you feel embarrassed about missing teeth, dental implants might be a good option for you. A popular and very successful way to replace missing teeth, a dental implant consists of an anchor (made of durable but lightweight titanium) and a porcelain crown.
- Dentures: If you are not a good candidate for dental implants or would prefer a more affordable option, we also offer removable full and partial dentures. Partials replace a section of missing teeth; full dentures replace all of the teeth. We can also assess your current dentures for repairs or adjustments that could improve your comfort.
- Bridges: A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap where a tooth once was. The single piece consists of two crowns on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between. The crown portions of the bridge are cemented to the teeth, fixing the bridge in place.
- Crowns: When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, a dental crown is used to “cap” the tooth and restore its shape, size, and strength. Porcelain crowns can look and function just like natural teeth and last for decades.
- Full-Mouth Rehabilitation: In cases involving severe tooth decay and advanced gum disease, full mouth reconstruction treatments might be needed to restore your teeth. Our restorative and cosmetic dentistry experts will ensure your result is functional and incredibly natural-looking.
Learn More about Dental Care for Seniors
For more information about dental implants, dentures, or any other general or restorative procedure, please contact our dental care center today. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.