As we age, our smiles need a little extra care and attention. Finding a dentist for seniors that’s nearby, specialises in oral care for seniors, and has excellent reviews is important. Our team is dedicated to a focus on geriatric dentistry, which is special dental care for older adults. We’re here to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, comfortable, and beautiful for many years to come.

Understanding How Aging Affects Your Mouth – Dentist For Seniors Near You in Scottsdale

Just like the rest of your body, the mouth goes through changes as we age. That’s not news to you, we’re sure. Running our practices in the Scottdale area, we’ve become experts in understanding these natural shifts and how to best care for our older patients. We know that many mature adults experience specific dental situations, and we’re always ready to help with each one:

  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): This is a very common problem for seniors, often caused by medications like antihistamines, bladder control medications, or other prescriptions. As you age, you will also just experience a natural decrease in saliva. One of the functions of saliva is to naturally clean your teeth. When saliva is limited, it can lead to more cavities and gum issues. We can help.
  • Root Cavities: As we age, it’s normal for the gums to naturally recede, which then exposes a bit of the root surface of your teeth. This is a softer portion of the tooth, and more likely to develop a cavity than the harder enamel on the main part of your tooth.
  • Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): As gums recede, they can become more exposed to food particles and may become a bit harder to keep clean. This can lead to swelling, bleeding, and eventually even tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease can also increase your risk of heart disease, so making sure you’re receiving regular cleanings and care to keep your gums healthy and strong is important. We’ll advise you on the best tools and tactics you can use to keep your gums healthy.
  • Changes in Jawbone Density: Just like bones in other parts of your body, your jawbone can lose some density over time. This can affect the stability of your teeth and gums. We’re here to monitor these changes and provide solutions and referrals if necessary. If you’re wondering what age you should not get dental implants, it is not so much age itself but the condition of your jawbone and overall health that we look at.
  • Oral Cancer: The risk of oral cancer increases with age. That’s why regular check-ups at Parkview Dentistry are so important. We always perform thorough screenings to spot any concerns early, including in your mouth, throat, and tongue.
  • Tooth Loss: While no one wants to lose a tooth, it’s a common issue for seniors, often due to decay or advanced gum disease. We offer many solutions to restore your smile and ability to chew, such as:
    • Dental Implants: A strong and natural-feeling way to replace missing teeth.
    • Dentures: Both full and partial options to comfortably replace many teeth.
    • Dental Bridges: A way to bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
    • Inlays and Onlays: For fixing teeth with larger cavities that aren’t quite big enough for a full crown.

We aim for the least invasive treatment that will best help you. If you ever feel nervous about dental visits, please let us know. We can discuss safe options to help you relax and ensure your comfort during treatment. Plus, we’ll create a personalized schedule for your regular dental cleanings and exams, tailored just for your oral health needs.

We’re always looking out for these special concerns, so you can count on us to spot problems early and help you keep your smile strong.

Dentist For Seniors Near You – Working with Your Health and Medications

We know that many older adults have various health conditions and take different medications. This is a very important part of how we care for you at Parkview Dentistry. Knowing how medications interact, taking detailed patient notes, and ensuring nothing we prescribe will interact with medications you’re already taking or other health issues you may be dealing with, is very important to us.

  • Your Health Matters: We understand how conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or bone issues can affect your oral health. We take the time to learn about your whole health picture so we can give you the safest and most effective dental care.
  • Understanding Your Medications: Are you taking several medications? We know that many common medicines can cause issues like dry mouth. We’ll talk with you about all your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines to understand their effects on your mouth. This helps us plan your dental treatments safely and make sure your medications, or something we may prescribe, won’t cause new dental problems.
  • Working with Your Doctors: We believe in teamwork! If needed, we’ll talk with your regular doctor and other specialists to make sure all your healthcare providers are on the same page. This helps us give you complete care that looks at your whole body, not just your teeth.

Dental Care That Fits You – Access and Mobility Issues? We Can Help!

We understand that getting to the dentist might sometimes be a bit of a challenge. Stairs, narrow doorways, slippery floors, and other issues can make access an obstacle. Our team has addressed these issues in our Scottsdale and Fountain Hill offices – we want you to feel comfortable coming to visit us.

  • Clear and Simple Talks: We speak in plain language, not confusing dental jargon with no explanation. We’ll take the time to discuss and define everything clearly and answer all your questions. We want you to feel comfortable and confident about your care.
  • Patience and Understanding: Sometimes, hearing or vision might not be as sharp as it once was, or moving around might be a little more difficult. Our team is patient and understanding, and we’ll adjust our approach to make sure you’re comfortable and feel heard and supported.
  • Making Our Office Easy to Use: Our Scottsdale office is designed with you in mind. There are no steps to access the front door of our building, and we have spacious and efficient elevators to deliver you to our second-floor office. Our easy-to-access spaces and friendly team are ready to help if you need it. We want your visit to be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
  • Personalized Plans: Your smile is unique, and so are your needs. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all dentistry. We’ll create a dental plan just for you, keeping in mind your health, comfort, and what you want for your smile.

Finding A Great Geriatric Dentist Near You – Senior Dentist FAQs

We know how important it is to find a dentist for seniors near you who understands your unique needs. Our friendly staff is ready to answer your questions and help you schedule a visit. We look forward to welcoming you to Parkview Dentistry and helping you keep a healthy, happy smile for life.

Q: What is bony age?
A: “Bony age” usually refers to the maturity of your bones, often used in younger people for growth. In seniors, it generally relates to the health and density of the jawbone, which is vital for strong teeth and dental work like implants.

Q: What is the most common geriatric dental problem?
A: One of the most common dental concerns for older adults is dry mouth, often caused by medications, which can lead to more cavities and gum issues.

Q: Should a 90-year-old go to the dentist?
A: Absolutely! Regular dental visits are important at any age, even at 90, to help prevent pain, keep your mouth healthy, and maintain your comfort and ability to eat well.

Q: Can a 70-year-old get dental implants?
A: Yes, many healthy 70-year-olds and older are great candidates for dental implants, as age itself is not usually the main barrier to getting them. In fact, many patients ask us, is it worth getting dental implants at 70 years old? For most healthy seniors, the answer is yes. Dental implants can provide a more stable, comfortable, and long-term solution compared to dentures, which can sometimes be problematic and difficult to fit correctly. Many of our older patients choose implants because they allow for better chewing ability, improved confidence when speaking or smiling, and a more natural feel overall.

Looking for a Dentist for Seniors Near You? Call Parkview Dentistry!

If you’re noticing changes in your mouth, feeling discomfort, or simply haven’t had a dental check-up in a while, it’s a great time to reach out to Parkview Dentistry. Maybe your gums are bleeding when you brush, you have a toothache, or your dentures don’t fit as well as they used to. Perhaps your mouth feels consistently dry, or you’re having trouble chewing your favorite foods. Even if you just have questions about how aging affects your dental health, we’re here to listen and help. Whether you’re visiting in person or looking for guidance from the best dentist near you, don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem—an early visit can often save you discomfort and more complex treatments down the road.