Retiring is an incredible milestone and an opportunity to relax after years of hard work. However, retirement, like any other stage of life, comes with unique challenges — including dental health. The truth is that as you age, you may be at a higher risk for certain dental issues. Your dental health is of the utmost importance to a happy, healthy retirement. It’s crucial to find a trustworthy dentist in Fort Myers, Florida. In addition to the routine check-ups and cleanings that play an essential role in your oral health, you may have to see a dentist for the following common procedures.
Restorative Work
As we get older, we’re more likely to damage or lose teeth. Because of these damages or losses, dentists offer a range of restorative procedures to repair your mouth’s function and improve your confidence. A crown may be able to prepare cracked or otherwise damaged teeth. Bridges, dentures and dental implants could replace missing teeth. Bridges, which adhere to surrounding teeth, and partial dentures could improve your ability to chew and the appearance of your smile. Dental implants provide a more permanent solution to restoring your mouth’s functionality. Like natural teeth, they have roots that adhere to the jawbone and strengthen it as you chew. If you’ve lost all your teeth, a complete set of dentures could make it possible for you to speak and eat with ease again.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer disproportionately affects older adults, so regular screenings are crucial for retirees’ health. Early intervention improves treatment outcomes. Dentists typically perform a physical examination by checking the mouth for any abnormalities. They may both check visually and touch your mouth to identify any lumps. Your dentist may perform a biopsy or refer you to another specialist if they find an abnormality. Dentists usually include a cancer screening as part of regular check-ups with older adults, but you should make an appointment if you notice any possible signs of cancer.
Gum Disease Treatment
Symptoms like pain when chewing, red or bleeding gums, loose teeth and bad breath could all point to gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease could lead to tooth loss; it’s also been linked to severe conditions like heart disease. Fortunately, dentists offer various treatments for different stages of gum disease that could stop its spread and improve function. An intensive cleaning process called scaling and planning could reverse the earliest stage of gum disease. For more advanced cases, dentists may perform bone or gum grafts, regenerative procedures and other surgeries. Treating gum disease is key to managing your oral health.
Root Canal Therapy
Like many other dental conditions, you become more likely to develop a tooth infection that requires a root canal as you age. When a cavity or tooth damage doesn’t receive treatment for a long time, bacteria may spread to the inside of the tooth and cause an infection. A root canal removes the infected tissue from the tooth and replaces it with a filling. Dentists also thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth as part of the process. The procedure doesn’t typically take long, and dentists numb the area with local anesthesia. They may also offer sedatives to ease anxiety. While many people find root canals intimidating, they could offer quick relief from pain and pressure. Root canals protect your jawbone from damage and preserve your tooth, so you don’t have to undergo extraction.
By scheduling regular check-ups and seeking out dental care when you need it, you can continue to enjoy your retirement years with confidence and a radiant smile.