Geriatric Dentistry

1. What is geriatric dentistry?

Geriatric dentistry, also known as gerodontology, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health needs of older adults. Geriatric dentistry is a rapidly growing field, as the number of older adults in the population is increasing and they require specialized care.

Geriatric dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions that are more common in older adults. These may include:

Dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay, fungal infections and difficulty in speaking and swallowing.

Root caries, a type of tooth decay that occurs on the roots of teeth exposed by gum recession, more common in older adults.

Temporomandibular joint disorders, (TMJ) which can cause pain and difficulty in opening and closing the jaw.

Bruxism, which is teeth grinding and clenching, more common in older adults due to the stress and medical condition.

Oral cancer, which is more prevalent in older adults and requires early detection for effective treatment.

Geriatric dentists also consider the overall health of older adults, and work to coordinate care with other healthcare providers as necessary. They are trained to address the unique challenges that older adults face, including mobility issues, sensory changes, and difficulty with self-care. Geriatric dentists will also take into account the use of medication or any medical conditions that might affect their oral care.

Geriatric dentistry also includes a focus on maintaining the overall oral health of older adults and helping them to maintain their ability to speak, chew and swallow food, as well as their self-esteem and well-being. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are important for older adults to maintain good oral health, regardless of if they still have their natural teeth or if they have dentures or other prosthetic devices.

2. What are the oral health concerns specific to older adults?

Oral health concerns specific to older adults include dry mouth, root caries, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), bruxism, and oral cancer. They may also have difficulty with self-care and mobility, and may have a greater likelihood of taking medications that affect oral health.

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3. How does geriatric dentistry differ from general dentistry?

Geriatric dentistry differs from general dentistry in that it focuses specifically on the oral health needs of older adults. Geriatric dentists are trained to address the unique challenges that older adults face, including mobility issues, sensory changes, and difficulty with self-care. They also consider the overall health of older adults and work to coordinate care with other healthcare providers as necessary.

4. What is the role of geriatric dentistry in maintaining older adults' overall health?

Geriatric dentistry plays an important role in maintaining older adults’ overall health by ensuring that they receive appropriate oral care. This includes regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings, as well as addressing any oral health concerns that may arise. Maintaining good oral health can also help older adults to maintain their ability to speak, chew, and swallow food, as well as their self-esteem and well-being.

5. Are geriatric dentistry services covered by insurance?

Geriatric dentistry services are typically covered by insurance, although coverage may vary depending on the specific plan and the services being provided. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine what is covered under your plan.

6. What cases does geriatric dentistry deal with?

Geriatric dentistry deals with a wide range of oral health issues that are specific to older adults. Some of the cases that geriatric dentistry typically deals with include:

Preventive care: Geriatric dentists work to prevent oral health issues by providing regular check-ups and professional cleanings, as well as instruction on good oral hygiene practices.

Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common issue in older adults, and can lead to tooth decay, fungal infections and difficulty in speaking and swallowing. Geriatric dentists work to manage and treat dry mouth.

Root caries: Root caries is a type of tooth decay that occurs on the roots of teeth exposed by gum recession. It is more common in older adults, geriatric dentists work to prevent and treat root caries.

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): Geriatric dentists often see older adults with TMJ, which can cause pain and difficulty in opening and closing the jaw. Geriatric dentists will work to diagnose and manage this condition.

Bruxism: Bruxism, which is teeth grinding and clenching, is more common in older adults due to the stress and medical condition. Geriatric dentists work to prevent tooth damage and alleviate the symptoms of bruxism.

Oral cancer: Geriatric dentists will also screen older adults for oral cancer, which is more prevalent in older adults and requires early detection for effective treatment.

Geriatric dentists also consider the overall health of older adults, and work to coordinate care with other healthcare providers as necessary. They also work to ensure that older adults are able to maintain their ability to speak, chew and swallow food, as well as their self-esteem and well-being.

It’s important to understand that every older adult is unique, and the geriatric dentist will evaluate every patient individually and make recommendations based on the person’s individual needs and circumstances.

7. Is geriatric dentistry available in Turkey?

Geriatric dentistry is a growing field, and it is available in many countries including Turkey. There are dental clinics, dental hospitals and private practices which offer geriatric dentistry services in Turkey.

8. What are the differences between geriatric dentistry and normal dentistry?

Geriatric dentistry, also known as geriodontology, is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the oral health needs of older adults. Some of the key differences between geriatric dentistry and general dentistry include:

Age range: Geriatric dentistry focuses on patients who are 65 years of age or older, while general dentistry covers patients of all ages.

Specialized training: Dentists who specialize in geriatric dentistry receive additional training and education in the unique oral health needs of older adults.

Additional focus areas: Geriatric dentists may place a greater emphasis on issues such as dry mouth, root decay, and the management of chronic medical conditions (ex: stroke, heart disease) and their effects on oral health.

More conservative treatment options: Geriatric patients tend to have more fragile health, Geriatric dentists may take a more cautious approach to treatment, focusing on preserving existing teeth and minimizing invasive procedures.

Specialized equipment: Geriatric dentists may use specialized equipment, such as dental chairs with built-in lift mechanisms and adjustable back supports, to make it easier for older patients to comfortably receive treatment.

In general Geriatric Dentistry is a subspecialty of dentistry that focus on older adult’s oral health and its management to improve their overall well-being.

9. What should be considered when choosing geriatric dentistry?

When choosing a geriatric dentist, there are a number of factors that you should consider:

Education and Training: Look for a dentist who has received specialized training and education in geriatric dentistry, as they will be better equipped to understand the unique oral health needs of older adults and provide appropriate care.

Experience: Look for a dentist who has experience working with older patients and is familiar with the challenges that they may face.

Accessibility: Consider how easy it will be for your older loved one to get to the dentist’s office, taking into account factors such as location, transportation, and parking.

Adaptations for patients with mobility issues: Some older adults may have mobility issues or disabilities that make it difficult for them to receive dental care in a traditional office setting. Look for a dentist who has experience working with patients with mobility issues and can provide care in a comfortable and accommodating environment.

Approach to treatment: Geriatric dentistry often employ a more preventative and conservative approach to care, as older adults may be more fragile and may not tolerate invasive procedures well. You may want to ensure that the chosen dentist understands that and is willing to take that approach.

Communication and comfort : Geriatric patients may have a different communication style, some may have memory impairment and may have a hard time explaining their needs or understanding treatment plans, be sure that the dentist is patient and able to communicate effectively with older adults. It’s important to note that not all Geriatric Dentist have the same qualifications, It’s essential to do a little research to find the one that will best suit your loved one’s needs.

10. What should we pay attention to when changing milk teeth?

As milk teeth begin to fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, there are a few things to pay attention to in order to ensure proper development and healthy teeth:

Timing: The timing of the loss of milk teeth and the eruption of the permanent teeth can vary from child to child. Some children may lose their milk teeth earlier or later than others. It’s important to pay attention to the timing of the changes to make sure that everything is happening within the normal range.

Orthodontic problems: As milk teeth fall out, it’s important to pay attention to how the permanent teeth are coming in. Crowding or malocclusion can sometimes be caused by the loss of milk teeth, so it’s important to pay attention to these issues and address them as necessary.

Oral hygiene: As milk teeth begin to fall out, it’s important to continue to maintain good oral hygiene practices to prevent decay and infection. This includes regular tooth brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental check-ups.

Space maintainers: If a milk tooth is lost prematurely, it may be necessary to place a space maintainer in the empty socket in order to hold the space for the permanent tooth. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper development and alignment.

Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet is also important for the development of teeth and the health of the gums. A diet rich in calcium and phosphorus can help to strengthen teeth and keep them healthy.

Dental visits: Keep up with regular dental check-ups and cleanings, your dentist will be able to monitor the progress and make sure that the child’s teeth are developing as they should, and can spot any problems that may arise early on.

It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and the process of changing milk teeth can vary. A pediatric dentist or orthodontist can provide guidance and evaluate any concerns you may have to ensure that the teeth are developing properly.

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    Mimar Sinan Mahallesi Abdulhamit Han Caddesi No: 66/A Kemerburgaz/Eyüpsultan

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