What Are the 4 Needs of Geriatric Patients During Dental Appointments?
Posted on 9/16/2024 by Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry
As people age and depend more on medical assistance, access to dental services may diminish. Consequently, older adults may experience more dental issues and require additional dental attention. However, things have changed for the better in recent years, with seniors now getting access to better oral health solutions. Maintaining healthy teeth is crucial for ensuring a good quality of life, particularly among older adults who may already have health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. This is why the elderly must seek dental practitioners who consider the four needs of geriatric patients. These needs are:
Nutrition and Exercise
For most elderly patients, one of the essential needs is nutrition. The type of food consumed can significantly impact your oral health. An excellent dental practitioner must provide guidelines for the elderly to enhance oral health and overall body health. These guidelines should detail healthy foods for bone growth and discourage unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Comfort, Safety, and Assurance
The elderly need to feel safe and comfortable in the dental chair. Dental practitioners may suggest options such as using an anesthetic to enhance their comfort when treating them. The other way to ensure their comfort is by providing clear information on medical procedures and guidance in decision-making.
Financial Support
While some seniors may not need financial support, most seniors can benefit from financial aid. The standard dental prosthetics used by the elderly, such as dentures and dental implants, can be costly. This calls for support from either insurance providers or dental clinics. Most dental clinics that focus on elderly care provide different types of support, ranging from subsidized costs to lobbying for government support.
Dental Hygiene Support
One unique need among elderly dental patients is support in maintaining dental hygiene. Many older adults fail to keep their regular dental care routines. Prosthodontics who are trained to deal with the elderly may offer guidance and support by advising on oral hygiene products and routines.
At our clinic, we understand how important it is for the elderly to get the proper attention. Our prosthodontics department is well-equipped to attend to all your needs. Please call us right away to book a session with our prosthodontist.
Dental Blog | Wausau, WI | Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry Dr. David Wanserski, DDS, from Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Learn more. Wanserski Dental Center for Complex Dentistry, 550 N. 17th Ave. Wausau, WI 54401 ~ (715) 848-2435 ~ wanserskidental.com ~ 10/8/2024 ~ Page Terms:dental implants Wausau WI ~
As people age and depend more on medical assistance, access to dental services may diminish. Consequently, older adults may experience more dental issues and require additional dental attention. However, things have changed for the better in recent years, with seniors now getting access to better oral health solutions. Maintaining healthy teeth is crucial for ensuring a good quality of life, particularly among older adults who may already have health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. This is why the elderly must seek dental practitioners who consider the four needs of geriatric patients. These needs are: