Dr. Craig S. Kohler serves patients of all ages at his dental practice, from young children just learning about the importance of dental care, to senior patients who are hoping to preserve the health of their smile as they age. Aging does take its toll on the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth, which makes professional dental care especially important to our senior patients. Restorative dentistry services to repair oral health problems are common among senior patients, as are general dentistry services to preserve tooth and gum health. Dental care for seniors at our Chicago practice includes a full range of treatments that may be beneficial to our patients.
Maintaining Oral Health
For patients of all ages, maintenance and prevention are our primary goal. This is no different for seniors. In fact, as the teeth age and become worn down, it becomes even more important to ensure that the teeth are examined and professionally cleaned on a regular basis (a minimum of twice a year). These practices help to maintain good oral health and prevent serious dental complications. These exams also allow Dr. Kohler to monitor a patient’s teeth and gums so that, if oral health problems do arise, they can be treated in a timely manner.
Periodontal Care
Most people think of dental care as services for a patient’s teeth, but the gums are just as important to a patient’s oral health. The gums are the foundation of the smile and are, therefore, vital to the health and beauty of the smile. While a patient of any age may develop gum disease, it is an especially common problem for senior patients. Dr. Kohler will examine the gums to look for signs of periodontal disease. If this condition is present, there is a range of treatments available to restore the health of the gums. From non-invasive root planing and scaling, to more extensive oral surgery, Dr. Kohler can provide patients with the care they need to stop the progression of gum disease.
Addressing Tooth Loss
Unfortunately, tooth loss is a fairly common problem for senior patients. As the teeth age, they naturally become worn down. This increases the risk of serious decay, which may eventually lead to tooth loss or the need for tooth extraction. The good news for those who have lost one or more of their teeth is that there are several restorative dentistry options that can replace missing teeth and restore the function and aesthetics of the smile. Below are the dental treatments that may be considered when tooth loss is present:
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
If tooth loss has occurred, Dr. Kohler can discuss all of these treatment options and determine which best meets the unique needs of each of his patients.
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Craig S. Kohler understands the unique dental concerns that his senior patients may have. He offers a comprehensive range of dental services to help seniors care for the health and beauty of their smile. To learn more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kohler at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.