What Is Geriatric Dentistry?
Geriatric dentistry focuses on the dental needs of older adults. As we age, years of wear, changes in bone and gum health, missing teeth, and previous dental work can all affect treatment planning.
We begin with a careful evaluation of your dental history. From there, we look at what can be preserved and what should be replaced.
Treatment is planned around your overall health, comfort, function, and individual goals.
When Do I Need to Replace Old Dental Work?
Even with good preventive care, older dental work can eventually wear down or stop functioning as well as it once did.
Signs that a crown, filling, bridge, or denture may need attention can include:
- Discomfort or difficulty while chewing
- Gumline soreness around existing dental work
- Broken or visibly worn restorations
- Loose or uncomfortable dentures
- Changes in speech or the way your teeth come together
- Difficulty eating comfortably
If you are experiencing any of these problems, we can evaluate the cause and explain your options. Depending on your needs, treatment may involve repairing an existing restoration, replacing it, or rebuilding missing or worn tooth structure.
What Should I Expect During My Visit?
Your first visit includes a focused dental exam and a discussion of your previous dental treatments and current concerns.
For more complex restorative cases, we may use technology such as our iTero digital scanner and CBCT imaging to help with treatment planning.
We also understand that longer dental appointments can be difficult for some patients. Our office offers comfort options, including massage chairs, blankets, free Wi-Fi, and warm eucalyptus face towels. Laughing gas and conscious sedation are also available for patients who need additional support.
Dr. Daniel Theurer and our team focus on providing clear explanations and helping you understand your treatment options before you move forward.
Restorative Dentistry Options For Older Adults
Our restorative services are designed to repair damaged teeth and improve chewing, speech, and everyday comfort.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include:
- Crown and bridge repair or replacement
- Replacement of older fillings
- Composite bonding for chipped or worn teeth
- Traditional dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Single-tooth dental implants
Our approach emphasizes durability while minimizing unnecessary disruption to the mouth. Materials and treatment designs are selected based on your existing tooth structure, bite, oral health, and individual restorative needs.
When Should I Consider a Full-mouth Reconstruction?
When several teeth or restorations are failing simultaneously, full-mouth reconstruction can provide a coordinated plan to restore health and function.
Think of the process as a roadmap. Treatment may involve controlling the infection, replacing missing teeth, rebuilding worn tooth structure, and improving how your teeth come together.
Treatment is typically divided into clear stages:
- Phase 1: Address urgent problems. This may include pain, infection, or broken teeth.
- Phase 2: Restore form and function. Treatment may involve crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures.
- Phase 3: Protect the results. Nightguards, targeted hygiene, and follow-up visits may be recommended to help maintain your dental work.
We use precise digital scans and models to guide treatment and help reduce surprises along the way.
For patients who have lost many or all of their teeth, full-mouth reconstruction may help improve chewing, speech, and overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Geriatric Dentistry
Can old crowns and fillings be repaired?
Sometimes. Not every aging crown or filling needs to be completely replaced. Dr. Daniel Theurer will evaluate the restoration and any signs of decay or damage. When possible, our goal is to preserve healthy tooth structure while restoring comfort and function.
Why do dentures become loose as you get older?
Dentures can become loose because the gums and jawbone naturally change shape after teeth are lost. Normal wear to the denture and changes in your bite can also affect fit. If your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, we can evaluate whether a replacement denture may be appropriate.
Are dental implants a good option for seniors?
Dental implants can be an option for many older adults. Age alone does not determine whether someone is a candidate. Your overall health, bone support, oral health, medications, and restorative needs all play a role. We can evaluate whether a tooth-replacement option is right for you.
What is the best way to replace missing teeth in older adults?
The best option depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of your remaining teeth and bone, your comfort preferences, and your treatment goals. Options may include a dental bridge, traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures, or individual dental implants. A comprehensive exam can help determine which approach is most appropriate.
Can you help seniors who have difficulty sitting through dental appointments?
Yes. We understand that longer dental visits can be challenging for some older adults. Highland Dental Center offers comfort options including massage chairs, blankets, free Wi-Fi, and warm eucalyptus face towels. Laughing gas and conscious sedation are also available for patients who need additional support during treatment.
What technology do you use for geriatric and restorative dentistry?
Depending on your needs, we may use digital X-rays, an iTero digital scanner, and CBCT imaging to evaluate your teeth, bone, bite, and existing dental work. These tools can help us plan restorative dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and more complex full-mouth reconstruction cases.
Geriatric Dentistry At Highland Dental Center
If your teeth are no longer comfortable or functioning the way they should, Highland Dental Center can help you restore them. Dr. Daniel Theurer and our team provide geriatric and restorative dental care for older adults in Salt Lake City. We will review your existing dental work, explain realistic treatment options and timelines, and develop a plan based on your health, comfort, and goals.
Call Highland Dental Center today to schedule an exam and learn more about your restorative options.