Dental treatment for elderly patients

What is geriatrics?

Geriatrics in dentistry is a section that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases in elderly patients and people with limited mobility, taking into account age-related changes in the body. Particular attention is paid to maintaining chewing function, comfort and quality of life in adulthood.

Why do we single out gerontological dentistry as a separate area of work?

Gerontological dentistry for the elderly stands out as a separate area due to specific age-related changes that affect the oral cavity and general health of the patient. Often, people in this category have chronic diseases and take medications, which requires a special approach and adapted treatment methods for the safety and effectiveness of dental care for the elderly.

Age-related irreversible changes in dental tissues

Older adults experience natural, irreversible changes that can affect the strength, sensitivity, and appearance of teeth:

1. Hardening of tooth enamel, cracks appear on it, and its shade darkens.
2. The pulp becomes overgrown with fibrous fibers and calcifications, which destroy blood vessels and nerves.
3. Cement accumulates in the gap with the periodontium, increasing its thickness by 3 times and reducing its shock-absorbing properties.
4. The gums lose fluid volume and tissue elasticity, and become denser. At the same time, the cement is exposed, and the visible part of the crowns becomes longer.
5. The periosteum loses capillaries and thickness, and metabolic processes slow down.
6. The periodontium loses collagen fibers responsible for cushioning.
7. The alveolar processes of the lower and upper jaws atrophy, the palate shortens, and the proportional relationship between the jaws is disrupted. Age-related (senile) progenia appears, which is characterized by a protruding, pointed chin.
8. Dentin thickens due to filling of cavities with secondary dentin (osteodentin). At the same time, the canals, root apex and pulp chambers become smaller.
9. The occlusal surface is worn away.

Another common age-related problem is dry mouth. All this increases the risk of developing dental and gum pathologies, so high-quality oral care and prevention of dental problems in older people are of particular importance.

Treatment of elderly patients in dentistry

Treatment of dental problems in the elderly requires a comprehensive and careful approach that takes into account age characteristics and health status. 

What difficulties does a dentist face?

When treating elderly patients, dentists often encounter age-related changes and complications that require special attention:

• bone tissue atrophy;
• gum recession;
• tooth mobility;
• displacement of teeth;
• thinning and abrasion of tooth enamel.

All this is important to take into account when carrying out treatment measures in order to achieve an effective and long-term therapeutic result.

Features typical for elderly and senile patients

Dentists should also be aware of other features associated with old age:

• multiplicity and high level of complexity of pathologies of the dental system;
• concomitant somatic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, heart and vascular pathologies;
• poor oral hygiene or complete lack of oral hygiene skills;
• cariogenic diet caused by decreased chewing efficiency;
• reduction of the body’s adaptive reserves;
• Features of psychology.

Features of prosthetics in gerontostomatology

Prosthetics for elderly patients has its own characteristics related to changes in bone tissue, the condition of the mucous membrane and general health, which requires an individual approach and the use of special technologies for comfort and durability of the structure. To restore the dentition, various dental services are offered.

Non-removable products

Fixed dentures are a reliable solution for restoring lost teeth in the elderly. They are permanently fixed, providing high functionality and aesthetics.

Advantages of fixed prosthetics:

• static fixation;
• reliability;
• ease of hygiene.

Flaws:

• preparation;
• weakening of supporting elements due to load;
• short length of the bridge.

Removable dentures

Removable dentures are a convenient and affordable solution for restoring the dentition of elderly patients. They are especially in demand in cases of significant tooth loss or changes in bone tissue.

Advantages of removable dentures:

• restoration of any defect;
• effective even in cases of complete edentia.

Flaws:

• unstable fixation;
• risk of food particles getting under the prosthesis.

Partially removable structures

They combine the advantages of removable and non-removable structures, providing reliable fixation and wearing comfort. They are used to restore several lost teeth, while preserving the remaining natural teeth.

Advantages:

• reliability of installation;
• possibility of removal.

Flaws:

• high cost compared to other types of prostheses;
• Since partially removable structures are often installed on implants, bone augmentation is often required.

Prevention of dental problems in elderly patients

Regular care and timely visits to specialists help prevent the development of many diseases and maintain a high quality of life. To maintain oral health in old age, it is especially important to follow a set of preventive measures:

1. Proper oral hygiene. Includes daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing, and using an irrigator to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Particular attention is paid to gentle treatment of the gums, and choosing the right toothpaste and toothbrush.
2. Professional teeth cleaning and the role of regular check-ups. Professional dental hygiene removes tartar and plaque that cannot be removed with home remedies. Regular check-ups of such patients allow for timely detection of problems, early treatment, and prevention of gum inflammation and other oral pathologies.

A comprehensive approach to treating older patients, including dental health, helps maintain a high quality of life.

How does a dental consultation for elderly patients take place at Dynasty Stomatology?

Patients of our dental clinic receive high-quality service and a comprehensive solution to the problem, taking into account age-related features. At the initial appointment, the specialist conducts a thorough examination, including an examination of the oral cavity of elderly people and anamnesis study.

The doctor then develops an individual treatment plan, taking into account possible chronic diseases and medications taken. Particular attention is paid to choosing the best prevention methods to maintain health and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Prices for dental care for elderly patients

The cost of dental care for elderly patients depends on the type and complexity of the selected procedures, as well as individual health characteristics. At the Dynasty Stomatology clinic, we offer transparent pricing and take into account the financial capabilities of each patient.

For more detailed information, please schedule a consultation with our specialist.