Senior Chattanooga Dental Care
Our seniors are precious and need special consideration to remain healthy. Dr. Tedford works to provide affordable senior dental services like dentures, implants, bridges, and more to the Ooltewah, Chattanooga, Collegedale, and Cleveland, TN communities. In fact, we have a dedicated page on this website to specifically address senior citizen dental care needs.
Readers can learn more about minimizing root decay that can lead to age-related gum loss and tooth loss. Lost Bone mass can also harm the jaw and increase the need for dental implants. Wear and tear related to time also impacts how well dentures fit. Decades of exposure to coffee, wine, and sodas show erosion of the dental enamel. Dr. Tedford assists seniors with routine dental care and cleanings, implants, dentures, veneers, bridges, and teeth whitening.
It’s important that our retirement years be spent comfortably, which includes retaining our ability to chew food correctly and without pain to nourish the body. Poor dental health can lead to problematic infections, according to experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Brushing teeth twice daily, flossing, and going for regular dentist checkups are recommended as part of a Consumer Reports Health Checklist for Seniors.
The Importance of a Senior Chattanooga Dental Care Program
It makes perfect sense that our teeth and gums require extra attention as we get older, the same as other health conditions complicated by age. Some of the unique situations affecting seniors:
- Tooth Decay from old fillings.
- Less exposure to tooth-protective fluoride in water systems over their lifetime.
- Dry Mouth as a side effect of medications to treat chronic health conditions.
- Reduced saliva production, making plaque more likely to stick to teeth.
- Receding Gums leave tooth roots exposed, sensitive to temperature extremes, and vulnerable to germs.
- Tooth and Gum Damage related to diabetes.
- Oral Cancer Screening after long-term smoking.
- Loose-fitting Dentures.
- Complications brushing or flossing due to Arthritis.
- Seniors generally become more susceptible to disease.
And just because someone is of advanced age, that doesn’t mean we never see patients wishing to correct crooked teeth by getting fitted with braces or have teeth whitened. If someone has been sensitive about his or her smile for most of their life and now have the discretionary income to do it, why not?
Special care is needed when treating dementia patients who suffer from jaw, tooth and gum pain. It’s also a good idea to prepare a list before an appointment to tell Dr. Tedford during visits about all drugs taken by seniors, the dosage and how often these medications are taken. Such information can affect the recommended Senior Dental treatment plan.
Dental Implants Ooltewah
Seniors are the primary consumers of dental products like dentures, bridges, and dental implants. The latter can be a great option following tooth loss, but the patient needs healthy enough gums and bone to hold an implant in place. Bone density loss is a significant concern for women age 65 and older in particular. Discuss this Dr. Tedford during the initial consultation before such a dental procedure happens.
Chattanooga Dental Care for Seniors with Medicare
Access to regular dental care is often difficult for seniors. Medicare doesn’t cover it, and Medicaid coverage is limited. Out-of-pocket expenses can be prohibitive to those on a fixed income. Most seniors must rely on either Medicare Advantage plans or private insurance to get coverage, but there are options.
Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that allows people 55 or older who otherwise need a nursing home level of care to remain in the community, covering dentistry, x-ray services, and other services. There are two PACE organization plans in Tennessee, both through Alexian Brothers Community Services.
The Senior Dental Care insurance program is available to most Medicaid recipients at no additional cost. Veterans may be eligible for dental benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Ask us about payment options such as payment plans and reduced prices based on need.
Affordable Chattanooga Dental Care for Seniors
Dr. Tedford wants to help seniors keep their natural teeth longer and maintain good oral health so they can smile through their golden years. Call us at (423) 238-8887 or make an appointment to visit our office at 9380 Bradmore Lane, Suite 108, Ooltewah TN 37363.
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Blog © 2018 Tedford Family Dentistry: Tedford Keith DDS Ooltewah TN 37363