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Restorative Oral Surgery for Elderly Patients

Elderly men and women require restorative oral surgery more often than younger people due to aging complications. 

Seniors face unique dental issues, such as severe tooth damage and loss. Continue reading to learn how restorative options can help them reclaim their lives.

How Does Restorative Oral Surgery Help the Elderly? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50 percent of people aged 65 and older have arthritis. Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of a person’s joints. Sadly, this condition can also impact an elderly person’s jaw joints. Furthermore, decades of oral wear and tear can cause uneven surfaces, a receding gum line, and tooth loss. 

Learn more about the treatment options below. 

1. Dental Implants

Tooth loss is most common in elderly patients. As their mouth’s bones and tissues deteriorate over time, their teeth loosen and shift from their proper position. Unfortunately, this deterioration often results in tooth gaps and a lack of structural integrity in the mouth, making it impossible for replacement teeth to grow. 

Decades ago, dentures and bridges were the only tooth replacement options available. Nowadays, patients can enjoy dental implants, making it possible for seniors to regain the use of their teeth in a natural-looking way. All they have to do is schedule routine check-ups with their dentist or oral surgeon to ensure the tooth that serves as an anchor continues to hold the implant in place. 

2. Dental Bonding

Restorative bonding can enhance an elderly person’s smile. Oral surgeons use composite materials to fill in gaps between teeth, treat discoloration, and repair fractured enamels. The result is a durable, aesthetically pleasing smile that can last for years when you follow proper oral hygiene practices. 

3. Solutions for Tooth Wear

Saliva production decreases with age; this occurs due to the side effects of necessary medication and natural deterioration of saliva glands. Without the saliva buffer that protects tooth surfaces from acid wear, teeth are more prone to decay and erosion. 

Once a tooth’s enamel erodes, it can’t grow back. The softer, more vulnerable dentin underneath the enamel becomes exposed, resulting in possible tooth loss and the need for extraction. Modern composite resin components make it possible to create a new layer of durable material over the tooth’s surface; this is useful in situations where a person’s teeth are healthy enough to keep, but may deteriorate due to abrasion, erosion, or attrition. 

Fortunately, a surgeon can add a few millimeters of composite resin to your tooth’s surfaces to enjoy your natural teeth without pain or fear of future deterioration. 

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah is Here for You

Even if you take perfect care of your teeth, you may need to undergo restorative oral surgery in the future. At Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah, our board-certified oral surgeons specialize in therapeutic procedures, such as tooth extraction, dental implant insertion, bone grafting, and more. 

We strive to provide our patients with the highest quality care at an affordable price. 

We have offices in South Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Tooele. Schedule your free consultation today

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