Geriatric Dentistry

Geriatric Dentistry is a field dealing with the effects of aging on the oral cavity and surrounding tissues. Changes such as increase in loss of the teeth, decrease in salivary output, atrophy in the oral mucosa and muscles develop with the aging process. These changes can cause differences in chewing function and eating habits. Nutritional disorders, on the other hand, pave the way for the development of various pathological changes.

Geriatric Dentistry

Geriatric Dentistry is a field dealing with the effects of aging on the oral cavity and surrounding tissues. Changes such as increase in loss of the teeth, decrease in salivary output, atrophy in the oral mucosa and muscles develop with the aging process. These changes can cause differences in chewing function and eating habits. Nutritional disorders, on the other hand, pave the way for the development of various  pathological changes.

Geriatric Dentistry focuses on the age-related natural physiological changes of teeth, periodontal tissues, oral mucosa, salivary glands, neuromuscular system and alveolar bone. These changes include water loss in cells, slowing of cell division and tissue repair, decreased metabolic rate, cell atrophy, increased cell pigmentation, cell fat infiltration, decreased tissue elasticity and decreased neuromuscular function. Oral findings frequently encountered in elderly individuals include root surface caries, periodontitis (gingival disease), xerostomia (dryness of the mouth), jawbone resorption (bone thinning), oral cancers, hyperpigmentation (excessive pigmentation), atrophy in the oral mucosa and muscles (weakening) and decrease in sense of taste.

Treatment options commonly used in geriatric dentistry to improve the quality of life in elderly individuals are as follows:

Dental Restoration:

Dental restoration includes treatments performed to restore decayed, fractured or corroded teeth. Shape and function of the damaged teeth are restored practicing methods such as filling, veneer, inlays and onlays.

Prostheses:

Loss of teeth is a common condition in the elderly. The prostheses are the artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth. There are a variety of prosthetic options, such as complete dentures (dentures used in the entire mouth for the missing teeth) and partial dentures (dentures used for a few missing teeth).

Periodontal Treatment:

The periodontal treatment includes the methods practiced for prevention and treatment of gingival diseases. Risk of gingivitis, gingival recession and loss of teeth is high among the elderly with gingival diseases. Thus, the periodontal treatment plays an important role in protecting gingival health and taking periodontal diseases under control.

Prosthesis Cleaning and Adjustment:

It is important for elderly people who use dental prosthesis to clean their prostheses regularly and have them adjusted if necessary. Proper placement of the dental prostheses can prevent problems affecting oral health and speech. Tooth Extraction and Surgical Interventions: In some cases, extraction of unhealthy teeth or surgical interventions may be required. These include procedures such as extraction of decayed or infected teeth, gingival surgery or implant surgery.

Oral Hygiene Training:

Training the elderly individuals about the importance of oral hygiene and teaching proper toothbrushing, flossing and mouth rinsing are important for maintaining oral health.