Geriatric Dentistry
Visit Your Lifelong Partner In Oral Health
Find Compassionate Geriatric Dentistry in Salem
A comfortable, confident smile is possible at any age. At Bickler Dentistry, we help seniors maintain strong, healthy smiles with our geriatric dentistry in Salem. Dr. Bickler can address age-related concerns like dry mouth, root decay, and denture fit. With his advanced training, you'll find the kind of care that helps your smile stay strong for years. We also offer a five percent discount for seniors. No insurance? Save by joining our VIP Club.
What Makes Our Senior Dental Care Different
Senior dental care works best when it's personalized, patient, and mindful of the connection between your mouth and your overall health. Our team begins by reviewing your full medical and dental history, current medications, and any mobility or comfort considerations relevant to your visit.
Dr. Bickler will develop a plan that addresses your specific concerns and provides ongoing support for your dental needs. You can trust his expertise. He's a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. With our unhurried approach, a relaxed atmosphere, and accommodations for mobility needs, geriatric dentistry in Salem will give you confidence in your care.
Advanced Training
Dr. Bickler completed advanced training at the Kois Center, a training center for implant and restorative dentistry. He is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry. You can expect advanced, proven methods with your dental care.
Personalized Appointments
We can arrange for longer appointments so you never feel rushed. You'll have time to discuss your health history and any dental concerns in detail. You can also take breaks during more extensive procedures for a more comfortable experience.
Sedation for Anxious Patients
If you feel nervous in the chair, we offer sedation options to help make treatment more comfortable. You can choose from laughing gas or oral sedation. We can even do a combination based on your level of anxiety.
Senior Discount and VIP Club
We offer a five percent discount for seniors. Our VIP Club membership covers exams and cleanings without insurance paperwork.
Age-Related Solutions
Whether you're dealing with increased dry mouth, decay, or denture discomfort, we can monitor and treat these concerns as part of a connected picture of your overall health. Your care will reflect how your mouth has changed over time.
Common Questions About Geriatric Dentistry
Q What is geriatric dentistry?
Geriatric dentistry is dental care designed for the specific needs of older adults. It focuses on issues that become more common with age, such as dry mouth, root decay, gum recession, and worn teeth. This care also considers overall health, medications, and mobility. The goal is treatment that fits your changing needs as you get older.
Q What dental problems are common in older adults?
Older adults often deal with dry mouth, root decay, worn enamel, and gum recession. Years of wear, certain medications, and past dental work can make teeth more sensitive or fragile. Gum disease also becomes more common with age. Regular checkups help catch these problems early, before they turn into bigger, more painful issues.
Q Why do I have dry mouth as I get older?
As you get older, dry mouth often happens because of medications rather than age itself. Many common prescriptions for blood pressure, allergies, and depression reduce saliva flow. Less saliva raises your risk for cavities and gum irritation. Drink water often, chew sugar-free gum, and ask your dentist about saliva-boosting options to ease the discomfort.
Q How often should seniors see the dentist?
Most seniors should visit the dentist every six months, just like younger adults. Some people with dry mouth, gum disease, or dentures may need more frequent visits. Your dentist can recommend a schedule based on your health history and current oral condition.
Q Is oral health connected to overall health in seniors?
Oral health has a direct connection to overall health, especially later in life. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even memory decline. Bacteria from an infected mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy supports your general well-being as you age.
Q Does insurance cover geriatric dental care?
Many dental insurance plans cover routine geriatric care similarly to general dentistry, including cleanings, exams, and preventive treatment. Coverage for more involved services, like denture adjustments or root decay treatment, can vary depending on your specific plan. Ask your dentist about payment options if you don't have supplemental dental insurance.
Q Can geriatric dentistry help with worn or sensitive teeth?
Yes, geriatric dentistry can help with worn or sensitive teeth. Years of chewing, past dental work, and naturally thinning enamel can make teeth more sensitive or prone to wear as you age. Treatment may include desensitizing products, protective restorations, or adjustments to your bite, depending on what's causing the sensitivity.
Q What should I bring to my first geriatric dentistry appointment?
You should bring a current list of medications to your first geriatric dentistry appointment, along with any relevant medical history should be aware of. If you wear dentures or another oral appliance, bring those along as well. This information helps your dental team build a treatment plan that fits your specific health picture from the very first visit.
