Special needs dentistry for older individuals recognizes the specific requirements of seniors and requires a dentist with extensive experience dealing with special needs patients. Older patients with special needs may need dental treatment in an office with wheelchair access and other comparable amenities considering that the oral health problems caused by the natural aging process require particular attention.
Special needs dentistry offices typically offer complete restorative treatments such as dental fillings, periodontal therapy, and tooth replacement treatments. Aside from handling the unique needs of aging patients, the dental professional can also provide advice on maintaining excellent dental hygiene to older patients' caregivers.
Older patients usually need extra care due to non-dental health issues, too. Dental offices provide operatories with moveable dental chairs for those who use wheelchairs. Traditionally, dental chairs are usually fastened to the floor. If sitting in a dental chair is complex, the dental chair can be moved, allowing patients to remain in their wheelchair while getting treatments.
Dentists and hygienists who can consider various variables influencing oral health, such as underlying medical conditions, financial resources, and the capacity to perform activities independently, are better equipped to treat and prevent dental issues in special needs patients. A welcoming environment, sedation options, education, and experience will make dental visits enjoyable and impactful for such patients.
As individuals become older, they are more prone to develop health problems that may affect their oral health and make managing and treating dental illness more difficult. Dry mouth, for example, may occur as a side effect of some medications for conditions like hypertension, cholesterol, pain, and anxiety, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Old dental restorations, such as ill-fitting dentures or leaking fillings, can become entry channels for bacteria, causing difficulties for older people.
Daily oral hygiene practices can also be challenging for those with special needs. Both populations (seniors and special needs patients) may be on fixed incomes and have limited access to medical services. Periodontal disease, ill-fitting dentures, root damage, and missing teeth are frequent oral health problems among the elderly.
It is important to realize that access to inexpensive dental treatment is more difficult for individuals with special needs than for those without impairments. Some dentists are frequently hesitant to take dental insurance for special needs adult patients since they will get less payment. There is also the reality that many dental offices are not equipped to handle individuals with special needs due to a lack of equipment or training.
People with physical, mental, and cognitive impairments may have difficulty caring for their dental health because oral hygiene habits may be more challenging, and getting to the dentist for regular cleanings may be more difficult. Special needs dentistry caters to these individuals and ensures they can continue living in optimal oral health.
Request an appointment here: https://ashley1dental.com or call Ashley Family Dental at (713) 405-3499 for an appointment in our Houston office.
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