GENERAL DENTISTRY
Geriatric Dentistry

Patients 65 and older have different oral healthcare needs than younger ones. These patients fall into the geriatric age range and often require more restorative treatments than cosmetic ones. The most common treatments for the aging population in Santa Clara, CA, include dental crowns, bridges, and dentures to address structural issues.

Older patients need a dentist who provides specialized care by preventing, managing, and treating common dental problems. You can trust the team from Crestview Family Dental to provide essential treatment that will help you maintain a healthy smile. 

Gentle and Compassionate Geriatric Dentistry

Geriatric dentistry specializes in diagnosing and treating dental conditions in the elderly population. Older patients may have dental problems caused by age-related diseases and functional changes.

Dental problems commonly faced by aging individuals include:

Bullet point using an orange gear with white check mark on it  Periodontal disease
Bullet point using an orange gear with white check mark on it  Missing teeth
Bullet point using an orange gear with white check mark on it  Misaligned dentures

Teeth, just like other body parts, are impacted by the aging process. Oral hygiene habits may also decline later in life, increasing the risk of dental issues. Patients must continue receiving professional dental care as they age to maintain good health. Many studies have shown that poor oral health leads to poor overall health. For example, patients with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Older patients are also more affected by dry mouth and other conditions that must be managed carefully.

Common Geriatric Dental Treatments

Geriatric dentists may perform various restorative dental treatments, including the following procedures.

Dental Crowns

Some teeth may have extensive decay that can’t be corrected with a filling. For these, a geriatric dentist can install a dental crown, which is a custom-made cap that fits on top of a single tooth.

Replacement Fillings

Old fillings may deteriorate after years of use or poor oral hygiene habits. A geriatric dentist can replace these fillings with new ones made from more durable materials. 

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can be custom-made to fit the upper and lower jaw. They can replace a complete set of teeth or just a few.

Dental Bridges

Bridges can be used to replace a missing tooth as long as there are two intact adjacent teeth, known as “abutments.” The abutment teeth are covered with a material that connects crowns to another artificial tooth, known as a “pontic.” This creates the bridge and fills in the space.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They fuse with the bone and become a permanent anchor supporting a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are the ideal restoration option to improve chewing function.

Other Services

Emergency Dentistry

Periodontal Treatment

Invisalign

All Services