Medical and technological advancements allow dentists to provide specialized care for each patient. And, with the older generations quickly becoming more populous, specialized care for geriatric patients is more important than ever. As a result, geriatric dentistry is rapidly becoming more and more relevant. Geriatric dentistry
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud prides herself on incorporating geriatric dentistry into her Lombard, IL, practice. This unique type of dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, managing, and treating oral issues that arise as we age. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with our compassionate team, then call (630) 629-5700 or reach us online to schedule your appointment now.
If you’ve never heard of geriatric dentistry, then keep reading. In this post, our team discusses what geriatric dentistry is, why it’s important, and when to seek it.
What is geriatric dentistry?
Modern healthcare is radically changing how generations age. In fact, contemporary medical care is largely responsible for the nearly 40% increase of individuals aged 65 and older over the past decade. And, some sources believe that by the year 2030, almost 20% of the entire population will consist of individuals aged 65 and over.
With such a rapid increase in the geriatric population, medical and dental professionals have to adapt. As a result, specialized care aimed at older generations is no longer a luxury–it is a must. That’s why geriatric dentistry is quickly becoming a unique (yet necessary!) branch of dental care.
Geriatric dentistry addresses oral health issues that predominantly affect older patients, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Root cavities
- Advanced gum disease
- Tooth loss
However, geriatric dentistry doesn’t just diagnose and treat these issues. It also considers physical, cognitive, and sensory limitations that might complicate the dental care that older patients need.
Why is geriatric dentistry important?
Moving, seeing, and hearing become more difficult as we age. On top of that, declining physical and cognitive health can compound these difficulties. Geriatric dentistry addresses these challenges and seeks to make accommodations for older patients. As a result, geriatric dental care is more accessible, comfortable, and comprehensive than ever before.
But, aside from physical and cognitive limitations, dentists must consider how prescription medications interact with the care they provide to older patients. This means that dentists must be familiar with a wide range of medications and plan treatments around potentially adverse drug interactions.
Simply put, geriatric dentistry requires a unique skill set and knowledge base that few dental professionals possess. Dr. Julie Glud, however, has years of experience providing safe and effective dental care for older populations, making her a leader in the field.
When is it time to seek geriatric dentistry?
Technically, geriatric dentistry refers to dental care provided to patients aged 65 and older. However, many patients can go several years past the age of 65 before needing specialized care. Other patients may need specialized care well before the 65-year mark.
Ultimately, an open and honest conversation with our team will help us determine when it’s time to start making accommodations for your oral care. But, regardless of when you might need geriatric dental care, you’ll always receive superior care with Dr. Glud and her dedicated team.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you think you or a loved one could benefit from geriatric dentistry, then call Dental Care of Lombard today. New and existing patients can call our office at (630) 629-5700 or they may send our team a message online here.
