Even under the most diligent care, aging teeth have a tendency to wear as time goes on. Eventually, it can lead to decayed, damaged, and even missing teeth. When this occurs, it’s important to have a caring and trustworthy dentist that will provide effective restorative dentistry to keep your smile beautiful and functional. Dr. Steven Hochfelder in Lake Mary, FL explains how timely dental care for seniors can help preserve oral health and dental function.
Factors that Affect Aging Teeth
Although age is a key contributor to weakened enamel, certain factors, such as medications, can lead to a decline in saliva production. When this occurs, it can lead to dry mouth, increasing your risk for poor oral health. Saliva is designed to wash away food and debris from your teeth, while also aiding indigestion. Often, patients find that sucking on hard candies can help with saliva production, but this can lead to rapid tooth decay and gum disease.
Other medical and mental conditions make caring for teeth difficult. While arthritis can prevent patients from effectively brushing and flossing, dementia and Alzheimer’s can result in unbrushed teeth and the inability to properly maintain proper oral hygiene habits.
Traditional dentures are a commonly provided treatment for replacing missing teeth in older patients. Although beneficial for restoring dental function, they can lead to bone loss, facial structural changes, and heightened gum disease because they rest directly on the gums.
Common Oral Health Problems
Dr. Hochfelder can address a variety of oral health problems for our senior patients, including:
- Darkened teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bone degeneration
- Tooth loss
Treatments We Provide
The type of cosmetic or restorative treatment recommended will depend on the oral health issue you are facing, but some common treatments include:
- Teeth Whitening: This can address darkened and yellowing teeth. Our in-office treatment can be completed in under an hour with stunning results.
- Dental Crowns: If your teeth are severely stained, cracked, or decayed, we can repair the tooth with a custom porcelain crown. This restoration is designed to cover the impaired tooth and restore its function and aesthetics.
- Periodontal Care: Plaque build-up and unhealthy bacteria below the gum line can lead to soft and hard tissue loss, diabetes, and heart disease. To prevent these from occurring, we offer scaling and root planning. This treatment is designed to remove the unhealthy bacteria from the gums, putting your oral and physical health in jeopardy.
- Bone Grafting: When tooth loss occurs, your jawbone can begin to deteriorate, preventing you from qualifying for dental implants. In such cases, we can insert harvested bone tissue into the affected area to promote healthy bone growth.
- Dental Implants: Whether you are missing one tooth or an entire arch of teeth, dental implants are designed to support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Made from titanium, these small screw-like posts are surgically inserted into your jawbone. Once the posts have integrated with your surrounding tissue, a custom-made restoration is attached. Implant-supported dentures are a longer-lasting and more comfortable option than traditional dentures.
Contact Us Today
If you are older in age and concerned about the health of your teeth, Dr. Hochfelder’s practice is equipped at providing comprehensive and comfortable dental care for seniors. To schedule your consultation, contact our office online today or call (407) 321-8900.
