Dr. Ilona Casellini provides senior dentistry in Los Angeles, California, to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful as you age. Our experienced and caring dentist and team will work with you to create an ongoing treatment plan to maintain your oral health and ensure that your dental needs are met. We invite you to call Swiss Quality Smile at 310-208-3125 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how senior dentistry can benefit you.
As you age, your oral health needs evolve, requiring specialized care to address the unique challenges that come with senior dentistry. At our dental practice, we understand that maintaining a healthy smile is essential to your overall well-being and quality of life. Senior dentistry is focused on helping you preserve your natural teeth, prevent oral diseases and ensure that any restorations you have remain in good condition.
When you visit our office, our dentist will perform a comprehensive exam, thoroughly evaluating your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints. This evaluation also includes an assessment of any existing dental work, such as fillings, crowns or dentures, to ensure they continue to function properly and comfortably. If you wear dentures, we will check their fit and make any necessary adjustments to prevent discomfort or other issues.
As you age, certain dental issues become more common. Dry mouth, often caused by medications or certain medical conditions, can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. our dentist may recommend solutions such as using fluoride gels, increasing water intake or using products designed to stimulate saliva production to help combat dry mouth.
Tooth decay is another prevalent issue among older adults. Regular dental visits and maintaining a diligent oral hygiene routine at home are crucial to preventing cavities and other dental problems. If teeth become damaged or worn over time, we offer a variety of restorative options, such as crowns, bridges or implants, to help you maintain a strong and healthy smile.
Additionally, systemic conditions like diabetes or heart disease can affect your oral health, and vice versa. This makes regular dental care an essential part of your overall health strategy. If you have any questions about senior dentistry or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy, vibrant smile at every stage of life.
FAQ
What is senior dentistry, and why is it important?
Senior dentistry focuses on the unique dental needs of older adults, addressing the changes that naturally occur in the mouth as we age. As we grow older, our teeth and gums undergo significant wear and tear, making them more susceptible to issues like tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Additionally, medical conditions common in seniors, such as diabetes or arthritis, can affect oral health and complicate dental care. Senior dentistry aims to prevent, diagnose and treat these issues, helping seniors maintain their oral health, improve their quality of life and prevent systemic health problems linked to poor oral hygiene.
How can I prevent dry mouth as I age?
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common issue among seniors, often caused by medications or medical conditions. To prevent dry mouth, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free lozenges can also stimulate saliva production. Using a humidifier at night and avoiding tobacco, caffeine and alcohol, which can dry out the mouth, may also help. If dry mouth persists, our dentist may recommend special oral care products like saliva substitutes or fluoride gels to protect your teeth and gums from the harmful effects of reduced saliva.
Why are regular dental checkups crucial for seniors?
Regular dental checkups are vital for seniors because they allow for early detection and treatment of dental issues that become more common with age, such as gum disease, tooth decay and oral cancer. As you age, your risk of developing these conditions increases, and they can often progress quickly without noticeable symptoms. During a dental checkup, our dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, perform professional cleanings, and check for signs of potential problems. This proactive approach helps prevent small issues from becoming major concerns, ensuring you maintain your oral health and overall well-being.
What are the best options for replacing missing teeth in older adults?
Replacing missing teeth is crucial for maintaining proper function and aesthetics as we age. There are several options available, including dental implants, bridges and dentures. Dental implants are a popular choice because they provide a permanent, stable solution that looks and feels like natural teeth. Bridges are another option, especially if the adjacent teeth are strong enough to support them. Dentures, either full or partial, are a more traditional option and can be customized for a comfortable fit. Our dentist will assess your specific needs and preferences to recommend the best solution for replacing missing teeth, ensuring you can chew, speak and smile with confidence.
Where do you provide laser dentistry?
Our dentist and team are proud to provide laser dentistry in Los Angeles, California as well as for our neighbors in the surrounding areas of West Los Angeles, Westwood Village, Santa Monica and the area surrounding UCLA.