General Dentistry Practice

Geriatric Dentistry at Belur Dental Clinic

As we age, our dental care needs change. At Belur Dental Clinic, we specialize in geriatric dentistry, providing compassionate, personalized care to help older adults maintain healthy teeth and gums. Our goal is to ensure that seniors can enjoy a comfortable, functional smile throughout their lives, addressing age-related oral health concerns with gentle, effective treatments.

What is Geriatric Dentistry?

Geriatric dentistry focuses on the unique dental needs of elderly patients. As people age, they may face a variety of dental challenges such as tooth loss, gum disease, dry mouth, and changes in oral health due to chronic medical conditions or medications. Geriatric dentistry aims to address these issues, helping seniors maintain their oral health and quality of life.

Common Dental Issues in Older Adults

As we age, dental health can be impacted by a variety of factors, including:

  • Tooth Loss: Missing teeth are common in older adults, often due to gum disease, tooth decay, or wear and tear. Tooth loss can affect speech, chewing, and overall quality of life.
  • Tooth Wear: as a natural process of wear and tear or due to an underlying habit the teeth get worn out over a period of time. This can affect chewing, and esthetics.
  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Many seniors experience dry mouth, often as a side effect of medications. Saliva is essential for maintaining oral health, and a lack of it can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Gum Disease: Gum disease (periodontal disease) is more prevalent among older adults and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental visits and proper oral care are crucial in preventing and managing gum disease.
  • Root Decay: As gums recede with age, the tooth roots may become exposed, making them more susceptible to decay. Root cavities are often more difficult to treat and can be painful if not addressed.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: Older adults may experience tooth sensitivity due to gum recession or worn enamel. This can make eating and drinking certain foods uncomfortable.
  • Oral Cancer: The risk of oral cancer increases with age, especially for those with a history of tobacco or alcohol use. Regular screenings are important for early detection.

Our Geriatric Dentistry Services

At Belur Dental Clinic, we offer a range of services tailored to the dental needs of older adults. Our team is committed to providing gentle, high-quality care to help seniors maintain their dental health and comfort:

  1. Preventive Care
    Prevention is key to maintaining good oral health as we age. Our preventive services for seniors include:
  • Routine Cleanings and Check-ups: Regular cleanings and check-ups are essential to preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other common age-related dental problems.
  • Fluoride Treatments: We may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, especially for patients with dry mouth or exposed tooth roots.
  • Oral Cancer Screenings: Early detection of oral cancer is crucial. We perform thorough oral cancer screenings during routine check-ups to catch any signs of abnormalities early.
  • Dental Sealants: In some cases, we may recommend sealants for senior patients to help prevent cavities, particularly for those with deep grooves in their teeth.
  1. Tooth Restoration
    As we age, teeth may wear down, crack, or decay. We offer several restorative options to improve the function and appearance of your smile:
  • Dental Crowns and Bridges: Crowns and bridges can restore damaged or missing teeth, improving your ability to chew and speak. These restorations can also help maintain the structure of your mouth.
  • Dentures and Partial Dentures: For those with missing teeth, dentures or partial dentures provide an effective solution to restore both function and aesthetics. We offer comfortable, well-fitting dentures customized for your needs.
  • Dental Implants: Dental implants are a permanent and highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are durable, functional, and offer a natural appearance, making them ideal for seniors who want to restore their smile and dental function.
  • Root Canals: If you have an infected or damaged tooth, a root canal can save the tooth and prevent it from being extracted. This procedure can help seniors avoid tooth loss and maintain a healthy smile.
  1. Gum Disease Treatment
    Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in seniors. If you are experiencing symptoms such as swollen, bleeding gums or bad breath, our team can help with:
  • Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to treat gum disease and prevent further damage.
  • Periodontal Care: We offer treatments to manage and treat more advanced stages of gum disease, helping to preserve your natural teeth and prevent tooth loss.
  1. Dry Mouth Solutions
    Dry mouth is a common condition among seniors, especially those who take medications that reduce saliva production. We offer treatments to help manage dry mouth, including:
  • Saliva Substitutes: We can recommend saliva substitutes to help keep your mouth moist and prevent oral discomfort.
  • Hydration Tips: Drinking plenty of water and using special oral rinses can help relieve dry mouth symptoms and improve oral health.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: For those with dry mouth, more frequent dental visits may be necessary to monitor oral health and prevent complications like tooth decay or gum disease.
  1. Tooth Sensitivity Treatment
    If you experience discomfort from sensitive teeth, we offer treatments that can help reduce sensitivity, including special toothpaste, fluoride treatments, dental bonding and LASER.

Why Choose Belur Dental Clinic for Geriatric Dentistry?

  • Compassionate Care: We understand the unique challenges seniors face when it comes to dental health, and we strive to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment where you can receive the care you need.
  • Personalized Treatment: We take the time to understand your specific health concerns and tailor treatment plans to meet your needs, whether you have existing medical conditions, medication side effects, or mobility concerns.
  • Experienced Professionals: Our dental team is experienced in geriatric dentistry and stays up-to-date with the latest techniques and treatments to provide the best care possible.
  • Convenient Scheduling: We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of our senior patients, ensuring that you can receive timely and effective dental care.

Schedule Your Geriatric Dentistry Appointment Today

At Belur Dental Clinic, we are dedicated to helping seniors maintain healthy teeth and gums as they age. Whether you need preventive care, restorative treatments, or solutions for dry mouth or tooth sensitivity, our team is here to provide the care and support you need. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.