An aging population has put renewed emphasis on quality geriatric dental care. By 2030, Oral Health America predicts that 74 million Americans will be over the age of 65. Older adults face unique oral health needs and treatment options. Many dental problems are progressive, meaning that the cumulative effects of decay or gum disease may require intervention in the later stages of life.
Dr. Julie Glud is a proponent of geriatric dentistry. Our office provides specialized care for adults over the age of 65, and our dental team has taken time to learn about the unique oral health needs of our valued senior citizens. If you are not familiar with the growing field of geriatric dentistry, read on to learn how Dental Care of Lombard can preserve the health of your smile into your Golden Years.
Factors that Affect Oral Health Into Late Adulthood
While the age of 65 is often used to denote “senior citizens” or “geriatric” adults, the truth is that the processes that lead to lower bone density and thinner enamel begin much earlier in adulthood. While good oral hygiene habits can slow these progressions, many of the factors that lead to dental problems late in life are unavoidable.
Loss of bone density is a natural part of the aging process, according to the National Institutes of Health. This does not create a barrier to dental implants. During your implant consultation, Dr.Glud will consider jawbone density before recommending implant surgery. Your consultation and exam will include the taking of x-rays and scans to assess jawbone health and identify certain landmarks, such as the nerves and sinuses. For most adults, overall bone loss is minimal and can be partly addressed through the use of supplements.
Over the course of several decades, the cumulative effects of enamel wear can lead to dental problems. Thin enamel can lead to heightened sensitivity and an increased risk of tooth decay. The yellow dentin below your enamel can become more prominent as enamel thins. Patients who are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth may be good candidates for teeth whitening treatments at our dental practice. If you do suffer from heightened sensitivity, Dr. Glud can use local anesthesia to ensure that treatments like cavity removal and dental crown placement are performed with your comfort in mind.
Seniors are also more likely to have some degree of gum disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. Around 10 percent of seniors have advanced gum disease. Fortunately, the same effective treatments that are available for young adults and teenagers are effective in treating gum disease later in life. Our office offers dental cleanings and deep cleanings to restore the health of your gum tissue and prevent tooth loss.
What are my geriatric dentistry treatment options?
Depending on your dental problems, Dr. Glud can perform:
- Tooth extractions for decayed or infected teeth
- Dental implant placement to offer a permanent solution to tooth loss
- Denture placement to restore oral function following the loss of a dental arch
- Periodontal treatments to reverse the symptoms of gum disease
- Oral cancer screenings
Common restorations in advanced age can include dental crowns (for individual teeth) and a dental bridge to replace several consecutive teeth. Older adults are still candidates for cosmetic treatments like Invisalign and veneers. You are never too old to enjoy a youthful smile.
Schedule Your Geriatric Dentistry Visit Today
Dr. Glud can customize a treatment plan that can allow you to retain your remaining natural teeth. Geriatric patients often require more frequent visits for cleanings and exams. Once you have restored oral health, you can consider cosmetic treatments that can leave you looking many years younger. To schedule your next visit, please call us at 630-629-5700.
