Geriatric Dentistry

Visit us at Westwood Square in Malton, ON

As bodies age, certain characteristics, such as teeth and gum health, can change significantly over time, which can make it difficult for seniors to maintain their oral health. Fortunately, with the help of dedicated geriatric dentists and their specialized training to take on complex dental issues in elderly individuals, seniors can receive the help they need to maintain their smiles for life.

At its core, geriatric dentistry is about developing relationships between patients and their dentists that foster trust and respect. The goal of any geriatric dentist is to provide quality care in order to help seniors feel comfortable during treatments. Treatments are tailored to each individual’s unique dental needs and preferences according to their lifestyle and goals. This includes creating a custom treatment plan that may include cleaning and fillings but can also involve more complex procedures such as root canal therapy if needed. A thorough evaluation is typically performed at the very beginning of a patient’s journey so that the dentist has an accurate picture of his or her needs beforehand.

Education and prevention

Apart from providing oral help with treatments, geriatric dentists also offer guidance on preventive measures like proper nutrition and hygiene habits as part of their service package. Educating senior patients about the importance these habits play in maintaining good oral health is essential in keeping them healthy long-term. Additionally, many geriatric practitioners use advanced equipment specifically designed for aging mouths like digital x-rays which take detailed images without emitting radiation like traditional methods do. This helps protect the patient from unnecessary exposure while giving the dentist a clear view of what’s going on inside the mouth for better assessment and diagnosis.