Gum disease affects about 6 in 10 people over 65, making it crucial to receive specialized care. At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, a warm and supportive team of experts offers comprehensive gum disease treatment tailored to seniors’ unique needs. With more than 25 years of experience, the team understands the challenges you may face with your gum health as a senior, and they’re dedicated to protecting your oral health with solutions that work best for you.
Why Seniors Are More Vulnerable to Gum Disease
Gum disease isn’t just about your gums. Untreated, it may lead to gum recession and tooth and bone loss. It’s also linked with severe complications like coronary heart disease and respiratory disease.
As you age, factors such as dry mouth, medications, and a weakened immune system can make you more vulnerable to gum infections. Some seniors face additional challenges like difficulty brushing and flossing, making it easier for plaque to build up and cause oral health problems.
Tailored Treatment Options for Senior Gum Disease
At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, the team knows that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for seniors. They carefully assess your needs and design a treatment plan for your unique challenges. Alongside regular teeth cleanings and checkups, a change in brushing habits, toothpaste, or flossing techniques may help with early-stage gum disease (gingivitis).
For mid-to-late-stage gum disease, you might need an in-office treatment to remove the plaque and tartar buildup you can’t reach. Some of the treatments offered on-site are:
- Scaling: Scaling is a cleaning process that removes tartar, eliminates bacteria, and reduces inflammation so your gums can heal.
- Root planing: Root planing happens after scaling. It smooths out uneven areas on your tooth roots where plaque can attach. This procedure helps prevent further buildup and promotes healing.
- ARESTIN® antibiotics: If severe gum disease creates pockets below your gums, the team may apply ARESTIN, a powerful antibiotic, after scaling and root planing. The treatment targets the infection-causing gum disease at its origin point.
- LANAP® laser treatment: If you have loose gums due to gum disease and are at risk of tooth loss, LANAP laser treatment may help. The non-surgical treatment can remove bacteria and help promote gum healing without stitches.
The team provides solutions to ensure your emotional and physical comfort during all procedures, so don’t hesitate to ask for support if you’re anxious or uncomfortable. They also provide detailed education tailored to your lifestyle and physical and mental abilities to help prevent gum disease recurrence at home.
Gum Disease Help for Seniors in Spokane
Aging and gum disease don’t have to go hand-in-hand. Don’t let gum disease steal your teeth and health away. Call the South Hill office at 509-532-1111 or the Spokane Valley office at 509-927-2273 to get tailored gum disease care for your needs today.
