Geriatric dentistry
Geriatric dentistry
Geriatric Dentistry is the area of Dentistry that studies, diagnoses, treats and prevents oral diseases in people over 60 years of age.
Follow-up by a geriatric dentist.
Geriatric Dentistry is dedicated to the care of the oral health of the elderly, taking into account the specificities of this typically more fragile and medically compromised population. The natural aging process brings significant changes to the structures and dynamics of the oral cavity, which are exacerbated by the presence of systemic diseases and the chronic use of medication. Thus, it is important to provide specialized care to these patients in order to maintain function, comfort and aesthetics, that is, quality of life.
The need to create this new specialty is mainly due to two major factors:
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Increase in life expectancy and, consequently, the need for greater prevention, thus contributing to healthy aging;
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Greater need for treatment of the mouth which, in old age, is mainly based on periodontal pathology (inflammation and infection of the supporting tissues of the tooth caused by bacterial plaque).
Treatments
The objective with the specialization of dentists in this area of dentistry is to provide better and more efficient oral health care for the elderly: the geriatric dentist has more in-depth knowledge about the organism of this type of patient, therefore, he is able to offer a more accurate diagnosis and propose most appropriate treatments.
Consultations should be light: starting with the anamnesis (interview carried out by the health professional), an important step for a good treatment and essential in the prevention of complications.
This step must be carried out in a cautious and understandable way, because many times, the elderly may not remember medications or diseases, failing to report. Empathy is essential in geriatric dentistry, as well as a humanized first contact so that a climate of trust and security can be created.
In this phase, old prescriptions, continuous or frequent medication, reports from previous exams and documents that help the patient remember the clinical picture are also evaluated.
Make an appointment for an evaluation
In your first appointment at our clinic, you will have an evaluation consultation with Dr. Dárcio Fonseca.
In this consultation, an accurate diagnosis is made and the best treatment solution and budget are presented to you.
At beclinique, the first consultation is seen as a highly important step in our patients’ journey. Each diagnosis must be accurate and individualized.
This consultation includes:
- Orthopantomography
- Photographic protocol
- Treatment plan
