As people age, they tend to need extra care in both the dental and medical areas, and thankfully, a geriatric dentist can provide just that. Geriatric dentists are dentists that specialize in working with elderly patients. Dental anxiety occurs in people of all ages but when people age, they begin to have more fears and anxieties regarding their dental and oral health. With the help of a geriatric dentist, elderly patients can manage this anxiety.
Geriatric dentists undergo special training that prepares them to work with patients that are elderly. This training may include learning how to manage anxiety or fears, as well as understanding what the needs are for elderly patients. The following are some ways geriatric dentists deal with anxious elderly patients.
It is important for a geriatric dentist to make their patients feel comfortable and safe. A lot of people struggle with dental anxiety because they are simply scared or out of their comfort zone. It is good to remind elderly patients that they are in good hands and that their comfort is the number one goal. If the patient feels comfortable then the geriatric dentist will have a better chance of providing the necessary dental care.
Another way that a geriatric dentist can manage dental anxiety is by providing explanations. People that struggle with dental anxiety are often kept in the dark regarding the care that they need, but with a thorough explanation, they just might feel less anxious. Dental procedures, terms and appointments can be confusing for everyone, including elderly people, so providing explanations can be helpful and beneficial.
Geriatric dentists, along with all dentists, should provide their patients with reliability. Elderly people require extra care and attention, and if their dentist is reliable then they are likely to feel a lot less anxious. Reliability can build trust so that the patient feels safe and secure, thus eliminating or reducing the dental anxiety that may occur during appointments or procedures.
Dental sedation can be used to manage anyone’s dental anxiety, including that of elderly patients. This may include laughing gas, oral sedation or anesthesia during invasive surgical procedures. Whichever method of dental sedation is used, the elderly patient will likely feel less anxious and more relaxed. Both geriatric and general dentists recommend dental sedation for patients that have dental anxiety.
Are you curious about geriatric dentists and what they can do to manage dental anxiety in elderly patients? Our team of professionals can further explain the importance of managing dental anxiety. Patients of all ages, including elderly ones, are our top priority. Dental anxiety can be managed and our team of geriatric dentists can explain how. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.beautifuldental.com or call Los Robles General & Cosmetic Dental Center at (805) 409-0999 for an appointment in our Thousand Oaks office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Geriatric Dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA.
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