How Lake Lanier Smiles serving Aging Dental Patients

Treating Aging Dental Patients in Buford, Ga

Lake Lanier Smiles, Buford Dentist

As large parts of the US population is getting older, the dentists at Our Buford dental office are prepared to serve the dental needs of the aging patients.

The whole dental team in our dental office are on the same page in understanding the unique challenges an older individual may face.

The most common oral conditions we see in seniors are

1.     DRY MOUTH: Also called as Xerostomia. The main reason for dry mouth is due to the medications seniors take.

Most seniors take an average of 3-5 prescription medications.

Dry mouth also causes burning in the mouth, fissured tongue, decay and cracked lips

2.     ROOT CAVITIES: Also called as Root Caries or Root Decay. As mentioned earlier, root decay is caused by dry mouth and the root surface is softer as it doesn’t have enamel.

Our Buford Dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles are well trained to treat as well as prevent dental caries in seniors.

3.  GUM DISEASE: Also called as Periodontal Disease. Gum disease occurs more frequently in older adults than younger adults.

Statistics show that African American and Hispanic seniors are affected more than white population.

Factors which will make it worse is lower education, smoking and low income.

What Our Buford Dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles do to better serve the Aging Population?

1.     Medical History: The dentists take a detailed medical and dental history including the medication list. Based on this we can give a specific maintenance plan.

2.     Preventive Care: preventing decay works at any age and it shouldn't stop for the aging population. Our dentists never give up on saving teeth.

3.     Treat with Respect: At Lake Lanier Smiles we treat all adults with respect no matter their age or disability.

4.     Trained Staff: We created a senior friendly dental office in Buford.

5.     No Stereotypes: Our Buford dentists will make no assumptions. We offer all the treatment options with benefits and risks. 

6.     Affordable Dentistry: Lake Lanier Smiles offers affordable dental care for senior citizens. Please check our website at www.lakelaniersmiles.com

7.     Dental Insurance: At Lake Lanier Smiles we accept most dental insurances and we will explain the available benefits of your insurance.

8.     Treatment Plans: Our dentists develop both the short term treatment plan and long term treatment plan that fits the budget and dental needs.

9.     Communication: At Lake Lanier Smiles we evaluate the understanding of the patient and discuss the treatment plans and their benefits and risks with senior patients or their kids, spouse or care givers

10. Convenient Dental Appointments: Lake Lanier Smiles offers early appointments and appointments that will be convenient for transportation and care givers schedule.

Along with providing optimum dental care, we have each staff member take different responsibilities of senior patient care.

 LINKS for further information are below. Just Click on the link.

How to keep your teeth for life time

Oral Health of adults over 60

If you have any questions about your Oral Health of seniors or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: Affordable Dentures in Buford and Denture Care

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: Affordable Dentures in Buford and Denture Care: Affordable Dentures in Buford and Denture Care Our Buford dentist office provide a lot of varieties of Dentures to our patients and ...

Affordable Dentures in Buford and Denture Care

Affordable Dentures in Buford and Denture Care

Our Buford dentist office provide a lot of varieties of Dentures to our patients and make quality custom Dentures at affordable price.

At Lake Lanier Smiles we make sure all new denture patients get what they expect and happy with the results.

The dentists at our Buford dental office offer all the options for missing teeth including Dental Implants and Dental Bridges and Dentures.

The dentists at our dental office highly recommend periodic examination and proper denture care so that the appliances last longer.

Click here for Denture special price

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL CARE ANSWE...

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL CARE ANSWE...: Lake Lanier Smiles answers the frequently asked questions by our dental patients. If you have any questions about oral health and pro...

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL CARE ANSWERED BY LAKE LANIER SMILES, AFFORDABLE BUFORD DENTIST

Lake Lanier Smiles answers the frequently asked questions by our dental patients. If you have any questions about oral health and products, please call us or email us and we will answer them in our next blog.

ARE DENTAL X –RAYS SAFE?

Dental Professionals have made many advances in Dentistry. One of those advances has been the lowering of the radiation level emitted during a dental x-ray. 

The New Digital X-ray machine used at our Buford dental office was designed so that only the small area would be exposed to the radiation beam.

The exposure time has been shortened due to the high speed films.  In comparison, the older x-ray machine there is more exposure due the larger cone that emits radiation (scatter radiation) to a larger area.  The larger cone also allows the image to be of poor quality, due to placement on the holder and movement of the cone.  The film is a slower speed than the digital, more exposure. 

The film holders are larger and can slip when they are bitten onto by the patient.  These result in having to repeat the x-ray which doubles the amount of exposure.  The use of the new digital x-ray machine eliminates all of the issues, therefore lowers the amount of radiation emitted during a dental x-ray. 

Patients are also protected from exposure to the body by the use of a full body lead apron which protects the patient’s body from a scatter radiation. 

The lead apron is made of a water resistant material which can be sanitized and is lined with lead.  These are not needed when a modem digital x-ray, they are still used as a secondary precaution or for the reassurance of the patient.

Radiation when a person is continuously exposed to any and all sources may damage their body’s cells and tissues. Therefore, it can ultimately lead the patient to development one of different types of cancer. 

There are many places where a person can be exposed to radiation including outside in the sunlight, in your home or workplace when using appliances, in a medical office, hospital and dental office. 

Digital x-rays are considered one of the lowest levels of those listed that emit radiation and are necessary for the diagnosis of malformations of the teeth and facial bones, cavities, bone loss, problems in the soft tissue and placement of wisdom teeth.

In addition to the precautions the dental professions already make there is a federal law that requires the dental practice to have a complete inspection and testing of the x-ray machine every two years.  The machine is checked for safety and the accuracy by a licensed x-ray technician.  In some states it required that the x-ray machine be tested and inspected more frequently.

DENTAL SEALANTS AND ITS IMPORTANCE

Dental Sealants are one of the most recommended procedures performed by your Dental Professional.  They are highly recommended for children and adults.

Children should start getting their sealants placed as soon as their permanent premolars and molars are completely erupted.  Which means that the biting surface has come in enough that the biting surface has completely out of the gum tissue.

If done when there is gum tissue present the sealant will not adhere to the tooth or will leave an area exposed and subject to decay.  Each tooth if done at this time it will be free of stains and decay. 

Sealants will protect the tooth during their childhood and adolescent years when most children develop cavities.  Sealants are extremely cost effective. 

Most insurance’s cover the cost of the sealant at 100%, because they are considered a preventative.   However, because they are so beneficial and have been proven to be the best course of treatment, most dental insurance’s are placing a no age limit rule. 

Adults should have sealants placed on unrestored molars and premolars (free from fillings).  The sealant will protect the tooth from decay and will help protect the tooth from some fractures.  

Patients that grind their teeth have found them to be useful because of the barrier from tooth to tooth.  If the adult sealants are not covered by insurance they usually have a reduced rate if the patient is uninsured the dental practice offers them at low cost. 

Sealants are a thin layer of plastic that is applied to the biting surface of the tooth and the sealant is usually clear or white in color when they dry and harden. 

However, to insure that the tooth is completely covered the manufactures of sealants added color to the liquid.  To makes it more visible to the dental professional so they can make sure to the dental professional apply the liquid to all of the depressions and grooves of each tooth.

The sealant placement only requires about 2 minutes to place and they will dry and harden within 2 minutes using a blue curing light.  The curing light presents no ill effects and is completely safe. 

Although it is recommended that a patient use protective eye wear as it is with all Dental procedures.  There are some sealant formulas that do not require the use of the curing light.  These sealants will dry very quickly and they are just as durable and long lasting.

Sealants can last for many years with proper oral hygiene and regular dental hygiene appointments. It has been proven that if a patient continues to maintain the sealant throughout their lifetime that tooth will not develop decay on the biting surface. 

One thing to remember is to have it replaced if the sealant cracks, becomes chipped or comes off.  There have been instances where the sealant has also worn away from grinding and the sealant had to be replaced. 

A sealant will come off due to saliva mixing with the sealant material at the time it was originally placed and the sealant came out within a few days.  Replacement is usually done free of charge at that time. 

But most insurance’s cover the replacement once every three years.  Because of a patient’s diet and eating habits sealants have been removed or broken by sticky candy, sticky foods, hard candy, and gum.  Sealants can stain due to the consumption of certain food, soda and condiments.  Those types of stain can be polished off by your dental professional.

Sealants are an excellent investment in your child’s or your cavity protection and Dental Health.  However, sealants do not protect the other sides of the tooth.  What will is brushing, flossing and regular hygiene appointments.

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.

  

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: Affordable Dentures in Buford : Lake Lanier Smiles...

LAKE LANIER SMILES BLOG: Affordable Dentures in Buford : Lake Lanier Smiles...: Lake Lanier Smiles offers Affordable dentures for patients in Buford, Suwanee, Cumming, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Dacula and sur...

Affordable Dentures in Buford : Lake Lanier Smiles

Lake Lanier Smiles offers Affordable dentures for patients in Buford, Suwanee, Cumming, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Dacula and surrounding areas.

Having missing teeth can affect daily life and cause dissatisfaction with your smile. A great smile is very achievable. Dentures have evolved into a mainstream solution to such a common problem in America.

With dentures you will be able to eat whatever you want and display the confidence you lacked with missing teeth. Our dentists at Lake Lanier Smiles have the knowledge and experience to make the best dentures suited for you.

Types of Dentures
Generally, dentures are made of plastic acrylic material and for partial dentures a metal based appliance can be used.

• Complete Denture: When the entire arch does not have any teeth, complete dentures will be made to sit firmly on the underlying edentulous soft tissue.

• Partial Denture: In cases when some teeth are missing, these dentures will use the teeth present to gain retention along with the underlying soft tissue. The partials come with clasps and wires that wrap around your remaining teeth to essentially hold the denture in place.

• Immediate Denture: When teeth need to be extracted that may be in anterior areas or in cases where tooth support is needed. Immediate dentures serve the purpose of being an intermediary denture, at the same appointment as the extractions. The final dentures will be given at a later appointment.

• Implant- supported dentures: These dentures will sit firmly onto previously placed dental implants.

Procedure of making a denture

• Photographs to visually determine the best approach in fabricating your dentures
• Impressions will be taken of both arches and molds will be made.
• The lab will make denture bases with plastic resin and/ or a metal framework.
• On the base, a “U” – shaped rims made of wax, on which the artificial teeth will be placed.
• The denture base with plastic rims are sent to the dentist to measure the correct position of your jaws. Your smile line, mid line, and canine line will be marked. At this appointment, the teeth color will be chosen.
• The lab will then place the teeth and process the dentures to make them smooth and ready for delivery.
• The final denture will appear pink as the gums and white as natural teeth.

Post-operative instructions

• Every night place the dentures in a cleaning solution or tablets in water that will remove the bacteria and foreign substances
• It is important to take the dentures out and store them in a container every night. The underlying areas of dentures are key breeding grounds for bacteria leading to dental and periodontal disease and bad breath.
• After eating, remove your dentures and rinse them under water.
• Brush your dentures once a day with dish or anti-bacterial soap
• Be sure to clean your tongue and gums to remove unnecessary bacteria with a damp towel, a soft bristled brush, or a tongue cleaner.
• The dentures will take a few days to adjust to so do not be alarmed of some awkwardness
• If any pain, irritation, or soreness occurs on the gums please see our office as we will help readjust the dentures at the trouble areas.
• Over some time, your arch will slowly begin to resorb, therefore the need to reline the dentures will be necessary. This process will make the dentures fit more snug and tightly.

Frequently asked questions about Dentures

Q. How can my teeth be lost?
Trauma
Severe gum disease
Large decay or cavities
Tooth extractions
Developmental anomalies

Q. What happens if I don’t wear dentures?

Without dentures, you will lose the basic functions necessary for daily life, such as loss of support for the cheeks, chewing and eating, and speaking. Furthermore, the jaw relationship can be thrown off if they do not articulate in the proper orientation, resulting in the jaw joint (TMJ) problems. Most of all the esthetics of your smile will be missing.

Q. How long do I wear my dentures?

Initially, they can be worn for a week or two in order to get used to a foreign appliance in your mouth. However, it is important to take your dentures out every night so your soft tissue and bone can rest and not constantly endure high occlusal pressure. With pressure of the denture the bone can start resorbing more than usual, resulting in frequent relining.

Q. Will I need adhesives for my dentures?

Not if your dentures are fitting snugly and tightly. However, if you feel that you need more security or if the dentures genuinely do not fit perfectly, then we can recommend the best choice for adhesives.

Q. Do I need to see the dentist after getting dentures?

Yes, it is highly advised that you come to our office for regular checkup visits. We will observe our teeth, gums, and dentures and their relationships. If any adjustments need to be made, we will do so. Relining is an integral part of assuring denture fit.

Q. Where can I get Affordable Dentures in Buford?

You can get affordable dentures at Buford dentist, Lake Lanier Smiles. We offer dentures at a reduced price. Please check our Specials page for details.

If you have any questions about your Oral Health or about Dentures or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-831-0559 or visit us at WWW. LAKELANIERSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 30-50 % Off Regular Prices. Call Us before Noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located just off I-985 at 4965 Lanier Islands Parkway, Suite 105, Buford, Ga- 30418. LAKE LANIER SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Buford, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Cumming, Flowery Branch and surrounding areas.