Patients place their trust in Worcester dentist Dr. Christy Savas because he understands the dental health needs of patients in different stages of life, offering advanced restorative dentistry services to address health issues affecting the gums and teeth. Patient age is important to consider for patients who are older for a number of reasons. Let's look at some of the dental care services that are often considered for elderly patients.

Treating Tooth Loss for Aesthetics and Function

Missing teeth are a common problem for many patients of advanced age. This is due to a number of factors related to the gradual wear and tear that is experienced by the various structures of the mouth. The use of dentures and dental bridges is common for addressing these matters. Sometimes dental implants may be considered to anchor these dental appliances in place.

Restoring Teeth That Have Been Severely Damaged or Decayed

Related to long-term wear and tear of the teeth, it's also common for us to restore the teeth of elderly patients who have experience significant tooth decay and tooth damage. This can be accomplished through the use of dental fillings, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Rebuilding Gum Tissue Following Major Recession

Gum recession is a common part of the aging process as well, which may be related to gum disease, bruxism, and other matters. Rebuilding gum tissue is an important part of lasting dental wellness, and the treatment will usually involve soft tissue grafting, in which donor gum tissue or artificial gum tissue is joined with the patient's existing gumline.

Offering Solutions for Dry Mouth

Saliva production goes down later in life as part of the natural aging process. In order to maintain proper mouth moisture and tooth remineralization, dentists may consider multiple treatments, including the use of artificial saliva products that come in lozenge, gel, and spray form.

Treating Complications with the Jaw Joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the juncture between the mandible and the skull, and it is one of the most complicated joints in the human body. The clicking, locking, popping, and crunching of the jaw is known as a TMJ disorder, and this is more likely as patients get older. Dentists have multiple options for care when it comes to treating TMJ disorders effectively.

Screening for Oral Cancers

Oral cancers are more likely as patients age, so dentists treating elderly patients will be extra attentive when it comes to the these kinds of services. Any lesions, sores, or discolorations of the gums and other soft tissues will be considered closely so that cancer warning signs can be identified and addressed by medical professionals.

Providing Comprehensive General Dental Care Services

At all ages, regular dental cleanings and routing cleanings are essential for lasting dental wellness. Even in the golden years of a patient's life, the normal dentist visit will be part of maintaining dental health and wellness. These visits also allow dentists the ability to discuss future treatment needs and plan for them.

Speak with Dr. Christy Savas

For more information about improving your dental health at different stages of life, it's important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Savas will go over all of your treatment options in greater detail so that you can make smart and fully informed choices about your dental health and wellness.