It’s important to stay on top of your oral health through all stages of life. However, quality dental care becomes even more important for seniors due to the increased risk of other health problems developing because of oral health complications.
Did you know that poor oral health can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, respiratory problems, diabetes, and much more? Practicing good dental hygiene and staying on top of your dental health needs are essential for living a healthy life. When it comes to getting quality dental care from a team you can trust, the highly experienced team at URBN Dental can help. Providing quality care to seniors in the greater Houston area, our team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love well into your golden years.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at how you can get the quality dental care you deserve through insurance coverage, financing options, senior rates, and more. Read on and explore how to get quality dental care that fits your budget.
URBN Dental provides expert senior dentistry services customized for patients 65 and older. Our dentists and dental hygienists provide patient-centered care, considering your oral health needs and dental care preferences. Our team gives you our full attention when you come for exams and treatments. We offer all the essential dental services available to treat oral health issues and prevent further issues from arising.
Routine dental care is essential for optimal oral health. Like all patients, seniors should plan to visit their dentist twice yearly for dental exams; however, those with dental issues may need to schedule additional checkups.
Dental exams include dental cleanings. During your cleaning, your dental hygienist will examine your teeth and note any concerns. Suppose your dental hygienist detects signs of cavities, excessive wear and tear, infections, gum disease, or other issues. In that case, they’ll alert your dentist to ensure you receive a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Your dental hygienist uses tools to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your mouth. Bacterial buildup in your mouth contributes to acid production, which attacks your teeth’s enamel and weakens it, increasing the risk of cavities and infections. Plaque also attacks enamel, increasing the risks of gum disease and infections.
Professional dental cleaning ensures all bacteria, plaque, and tartar are removed without damaging your teeth and gums. Your dental hygienist flosses and brushes your teeth with gritty toothpaste. After rinsing your mouth, your dental hygienist will administer a fluoride treatment, which helps prevent acid production and strengthens your teeth, preventing acid from eroding your tooth enamel.
Your dental hygienist may take X-rays during your teeth cleaning. Having an oral cancer screening during your routine checkup is also common.
Cosmetic and restorative dental services include the following:
Porcelain veneers are cosmetic appliances that conceal defects, such as cracks, without strengthening the tooth. You can achieve the same result with dental crowns, which conceal damage and strengthen the tooth; however, crowns are typically more expensive than porcelain veneers.
Fillings are both cosmetic and restorative. They’re put into cavities after your dentist removes decayed tissue. They eliminate unsightly cavities and blend in with your tooth, making it look whole and healthy. Fillings prevent infections from spreading and eliminate the pain caused by tooth decay.
Restorative dental appliances make your teeth look the way they’re supposed to. Restorative appliances and treatments include the following:
Bridges are an option if you’re missing teeth. They conceal the gap left by the missing tooth and make it easier for you to chew food.
Crowns, inlays, and onlays strengthen damaged teeth while improving their appearance. Root canal therapy treats infected roots and prevents tooth loss from infection.
Dental implants replace missing teeth. These artificial teeth connect to metal posts that are attached to your jawbone. They help prevent bone loss and improve your smile’s appearance and your ability to chew and talk.
Dentures are another appliance used to replace missing teeth. Dentures have artificial teeth and gums. They enhance your smile’s appearance and ensure you can speak and chew food. They’re less expensive than dental implants but wear down faster, so you must replace them.
Dental emergencies often involve severe pain. Without prompt treatment, they can escalate, causing other oral and physical health issues. Dental emergencies include the following:
URBN Dental’s senior dentistry services include emergency care for dental emergencies. Whether you need an appliance repaired, a dislodged tooth restored to its socket, or treatment for a soft tissue injury, we will assess your condition, identify the treatment options available, and provide the treatment you need.
As we get older, proper dental care becomes that much more important. If you or a loved one are entering their golden years, now is the time to take charge of dental health.
Through regular cleaning and exams, your dentist can determine if your oral health may indicate any signs of much larger health complications. Poor dental health in seniors has been proven to be linked to general health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. As bacteria grow in teeth and gums, they can seep into your bloodstream, creating larger, more complicated health issues.
Regular meetings with your dental hygienist and dentist can ensure your teeth and gum health is where it should be. If your dentist has any concerns, the appropriate treatments will be recommended, and a treatment plan will be drawn up.
Seniors face many challenges that can prevent them from getting proper dental care, including:
Seniors face unique dental concerns because aging can undermine their ability to care for their teeth and gums.
Seniors are more likely to suffer arthritis or have issues with fine motor skills because of loss of muscle mass and damage to their joints. Seniors are also at risk of developing severe health issues that affect their dental health, such as the following:
Whether you still have your natural teeth, bridges, crowns, or implants, knowing how to care for them is essential. Luckily, it’s not that much harder than it was in your younger years. As a senior, you should continue to:
Dental care can be costly, but you can still get quality care that fits your budget with the right approach. Let’s take a closer look at the different payment options seniors have regarding quality dental care.
Quality dental care is closer than you think. If you’re a senior, as you search for a “dentist near me,” be sure to ask about senior discounts and other discounts you may qualify for, such as military discounts if you or a loved one was in the service. Many dentists offer discounted rates that can help alleviate some of the financial burden of your dental bills.
Additionally, asking about cash pay options can be another way to save on dental care. Many dental providers offer discounted rates on cash payments when you do not apply insurance benefits. Often, you don’t have to make the entire cash payment upfront either. For example, at URBN Dental, we offer flexible financial payment plans that can help you take advantage of discounts associated with cash payments while helping to spread out payments, making your dental care costs more manageable.
There are many dental clinics that offer in-house memberships for seniors. These memberships can reduce the cost of your dental care through their structured repayment plans. These plans will spread payments out over the course of a couple of months so you can manage your dental bills. Often, these memberships also offer discounted rates, such as complimentary dental cleanings or exams. You might also find discounted rates ranging from 5 to 10% on a range of dental treatments and services, such as Invisalign.
If you or a spouse’s employer offers dental insurance, this can be a great way to alleviate some of the costs associated with your dental care. If you are not employed, purchasing dental insurance on the private market can also be a good avenue to go down.
With dental insurance, the cost of routine exams, checkups, and procedures are covered either fully or at a significant percentage. Additionally, you can get coverage on more major treatments, such as crowns, bridges, and implants. Do your research on the dental plans you want to purchase to ensure the plan you are getting serves your dental needs.
It’s also important to know that the type of coverage you can expect will be related to your premium or the price you can expect to pay upfront. Generally, the higher the premium, the more dental coverage you’ll have. Take your time to explore your options to find the right dental insurance policy for yourself.
If you do have insurance, it’s important to work with PPO dentists who accept your insurance plan. This is what is known as being “in network.” If you receive dental services from a dentist not in network, you will pay higher costs and won’t be able to take advantage of those discounted rates because of the in-network partnership.
You can find out if your dentist is in network with your insurance by calling their office and speaking with their billing staff. The dentists in our Houston dentist office are in network with most major insurance providers. Get in touch today, speak with our team, and schedule your first appointment.
Quality dental care goes beyond just appropriate treatments that meet your dental healthcare needs. It also includes working with a dental team you can trust that can help you understand the best way to take care of your oral health and how to achieve the smile of your dreams.
If you’re looking for a dentist near you in Houston, turn to the talented team at URBN Dental. We are proud to be one of the most reliable dental clinics in and around the greater Houston region. Our PPO dentists specialize in the latest and safest dental treatments. We also have specialized dentists who cover everything from general dentistry to specialized services, including cosmetic dentistry. If you’re looking for quality dental care, please contact our dentists in Midtown or Houston, TX, today.
URBN Dental’s offices in Houston are led by a team of extremely talented dentists if you’re ready to receive quality dental care for seniors. However, if you’re concerned about seeing a different dentist every time, you can call ahead to ensure you always consult the same dental specialist.
At URBN Dental, you can stop your search for an “expert dentist near me.” Get in touch today to learn more and schedule your initial exam.
Some Medicare plans don’t cover dental care; however, Medicare Parts A and B may cover some of the costs if they’re essential for other medical treatments. You have to opt for Medicare Advantage (part C) to cover preventative dental care costs, such as dental exams, dental cleanings, and X-rays.
Seniors should choose a dentist who can provide the expert dental care required to maintain oral health. Some things you should consider when selecting a dentist include the following:
Seniors can take advantage of many products that make it easier to care for their teeth, including:
Geriatric dental care professionals understand seniors may experience dental anxiety during treatments. Those with training and experience use tactics to help alleviate dental anxiety, such as playing music during dental treatments.
Seniors can benefit from meditating before treatments or using a weighted blanket to feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Dental professionals may also establish a signal seniors use to suspend the treatment if they feel stressed. Having a short break can alleviate anxiety because the ability to take breaks empowers the patient and reminds them that they’re in control.
In some cases, patients may opt to be sedated during dental procedures.
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Large study links gum disease with dementia. (2020).
Solan, M. (2024). The senior’s guide to dental care.
Understanding How Fluoride Helps Prevent and Repair Tooth Decay. (2022).
Ways for seniors on Medicare to get the right dental coverage. (2024).
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