BEST Geriatric Dentist Near You

As we age, our smiles need a little extra care and attention. Finding a trusted dentist for seniors near you that specializes in advanced oral care and has excellent reviews is incredibly important. Our licensed dentist are dedicated to providing expert geriatric dentistry to the Scottsdale community. We are here to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, comfortable, and beautiful for many years to come.

How Aging Affects Your Mouth

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth goes through natural changes as you age. Running our locally-owned practice in the Scottsdale area, we have become experts in understanding these shifts and how to best care for our older patients. Along with traditional treatments, we offer cutting edge laser dentistry to ensure your comfort and provide exceptional, non invasive care.

We know that many mature adults experience specific dental situations, and our qualified, patient-centered geriatric dental team is fully equipped to help manage and treat each one:

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): This is a very common problem for seniors, often caused by medications like antihistamines, bladder control medications, or other prescriptions. As you age, you will also experience a natural decrease in saliva production. Because saliva naturally cleans your teeth, a lack of it can lead to an increase in cavities and gum issues. We can help provide relief and protective treatments, including prescription toothpaste and saliva substitutes to restore comfort and protect your teeth.

Root Cavities: As we age, it is normal for the gums to naturally recede, which then exposes a bit of the root surface of your teeth. This is a softer portion of the tooth, making it far more vulnerable to developing a cavity than the harder enamel on the main part of your tooth. Our preventive fluoride treatments strengthen exposed root surfaces and reduce your risk of decay.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): As gums recede, they can become more exposed to food particles and slightly harder to keep clean. This can lead to swelling, bleeding, and eventually even tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontal disease can also increase your risk of heart disease, so making sure you are receiving regular cleanings to keep your gums strong is vital. We will advise you on the best tools and tactics to maintain your periodontal health and diagnose gum recession early to prevent further bone loss.

Changes in Jawbone Density: Just like bones in other parts of your body, your jawbone can lose some density over time, especially if you have osteoporosis or arthritis. This can affect the stability of your teeth and gums. We actively monitor these changes and provide solutions to preserve your bone health, including bone grafting when necessary. If you are wondering what age you should not get dental implants, it is rarely about your chronological age and much more about the condition of your jawbone and overall health.

Oral Cancer: The risk of oral cancer increases with age. That is why regular check ups at Parkview Dentistry are so important. We always perform thorough oral cancer screenings during your exams to spot any concerns early across your mouth, throat, and tongue and screen for abnormalities that require immediate attention.

Tooth Loss: While no one wants to lose a tooth, it is a common issue for seniors due to decay or advanced gum disease. We offer many restorative dentistry solutions to rebuild your healthy smile and your ability to chew, such as dental implants, full and partial dentures, overdentures, all-on-4 implant systems, dental bridges, and conservative inlays and onlays. Our goal is to restore your natural appearance and improve your chewing ability with long-lasting results.

Sleep Apnea: A senior dentist can custom fit a specialized oral appliance that gently positions your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open throughout the night. This comfortable mouthpiece offers a highly effective, portable alternative to bulky CPAP machines, helping you breathe naturally and get deeper, uninterrupted sleep. This CPAP alternative provides pain relief from jaw tension and improves your quality of life.

We aim for the least invasive dental treatments possible. If you ever feel nervous about dental visits, please let us know. We provide compassionate care and can discuss safe options to help you relax and ensure your comfort during treatment, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation for dental anxiety relief. Plus, we will create a personalized schedule for your regular dental cleanings and exams, tailored exclusively to your geriatric oral health needs.

Real Patient Success Stories

Case Study: Rapid Laser Therapy Relief for a Senior Dental Patient in Scottsdale

A patient in her 70s, currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, came in with painful ulcers throughout her mouth, making it extremely difficult for her to eat. These ulcers were a challenging side effect of the chemotherapy, not oral cancer. To provide immediate relief, we used targeted laser therapy directly on the lesions. After the first session, the patient reported a significant reduction in pain. The patient returned for two additional sessions over the next two days, with each treatment further improving the condition of the ulcers.

The result?

A significant reduction in pain and inflammation after just one visit
Restored ability to eat comfortably that very same day
Complete healing of the lesions by the third laser session
A highly effective, non invasive solution for a vulnerable senior patient

Dentist For Seniors Near You

We know that many older adults manage various health conditions and take daily medications. This is a vital part of how we approach your care at Parkview Dentistry. Taking detailed patient notes and ensuring nothing we prescribe will interact with your current medications or health issues is our top priority. Our team identifies potential drug interactions before we recommend any treatment.

Your Overall Health Matters: We understand how systemic conditions like diabetes, heart problems, or bone issues can directly affect your oral health. We look at your whole health picture to provide the safest and most effective dental care. This holistic, evidence-based approach ensures we address your complete medical history.

Understanding Your Medications: Are you taking several medications? We will review all your prescriptions and over the counter medicines to understand their effects on your mouth, such as medication induced dry mouth. This ensures we plan your dental treatments safely and make sure our care will not cause new dental challenges or treatment complications.

Working with Your Doctors: We believe in a collaborative healthcare approach with coordinated care across all your healthcare providers. If needed, our female dentist, Dr. Perkins, will coordinate with your primary care physician and other specialists so your entire healthcare team is on the same page. This interdisciplinary approach ensures seamless communication and optimal treatment outcomes.

Senior Dental Care in Scottsdale That Fits You

We understand that getting to the dentist can sometimes present physical challenges for seniors. Stairs, narrow doorways, and slippery floors can be obstacles. Our team has addressed these issues at our Scottsdale office to ensure you feel safe and comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Clear and Simple Communication: We speak in plain language, avoiding confusing dental jargon. We take the time to discuss your treatment options clearly and answer all your questions so you feel confident in your care. We provide detailed explanations so you understand exactly what to expect during your first visit.

Patience and Understanding: If hearing or vision is not as sharp as it once was, or mobility is limited, our compassionate team will adjust our approach to ensure you feel supported, heard, and completely comfortable.

Making Our Office Easy to Use: Our Scottsdale dental office is designed with seniors in mind. There are no steps to access the front door of our building, and we have spacious, easily accessible elevators to take you straight to our second floor office. Our friendly team is always ready to help if you need it to ensure your visit is smooth and stress free. We provide ample parking, including handicap parking spaces, and welcome caregiver involvement during your appointment.

Personalized Dental Plans: Your smile is unique, and so are your needs. We do not believe in one size fits all dentistry. We will create a tailored senior dental care plan just for you, keeping your comfort, health status, and smile goals at the forefront. Our customized treatment plans balance cost and quality while offering flexible scheduling and payment plan options.

ScottsdaleSenior Dentist FAQs

We know how important it is to find a local dentist for seniors who understands your unique needs. Our caring, professional staff is ready to answer your questions and schedule your visit. We offer convenient same-day appointments for emergency dental care.

Q: What is bony age?
A: "Bony age" usually refers to the maturity of your bones. In geriatric dentistry, it generally relates to the health and density of the jawbone, which is vital for supporting strong teeth and dental work like implants.

Q: What is the most common geriatric dental problem?
A: One of the most common dental concerns for older adults is dry mouth (xerostomia), typically caused by daily medications. A lack of saliva can rapidly lead to an increase in cavities, root decay, and gum disease.

Q: Should a 90 year old go to the dentist?
A: Absolutely! Regular dental visits are important at every age. Routine care helps prevent pain, catch infections early, and maintain a senior's ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly. Preventive care is essential for maintaining independence and dignity in dental care.

Q: Can a 70 year old get dental implants?
A: Yes! Many healthy seniors in their 70s, 80s, and beyond are excellent candidates for dental implants. Chronological age is rarely a barrier; jawbone health and overall medical health matter much more. For most healthy seniors, implants provide a stable, long term solution that vastly improves chewing ability compared to loose dentures. We carefully evaluate your bone health and assess your candidacy during the consultation.

Q: Can Seniors Wear Invisalign?
A: Absolutely. There is no age limit for achieving a straighter smile with Invisalign clear aligners. Whether you are 50 or 80, your teeth maintain the ability to shift into a healthier alignment. Straightening crowded teeth can also make them much easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease later in life. This minimally-invasive option provides natural-looking results with minimal discomfort.

Contact a Top Dentist for Seniors Near You in Scottsdale

If you are noticing changes in your mouth, feeling discomfort, or simply have not had a dental check up in a while, it is a great time to reach out to Parkview Dentistry. Whether your gums are bleeding when you brush or your dentures simply do not fit like they used to, we are here to help.

At Parkview Dentistry, we offer comprehensive, state of the art oral healthcare tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient in our community. From gentle, specialized care for older adults to advanced restorative solutions, our highly reviewed, top-rated experienced team provides a full range of modern dental services to keep your smile beautiful and functioning optimally at every stage of life:

Dental Implants: Replace missing teeth with a durable, natural looking, and permanent dental implant solution that restores your chewing ability and enhances your confidence.
Emergency Dentist: When unexpected pain or injury strikes, our rapid emergency dentist team here to provide immediate relief and save your smile with same-day emergency care.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Transform your smile and boost your self esteem with custom aesthetic treatments by cosmetic dentists, including veneers, crowns, and teeth whitening for a natural appearance.
Laser Dentistry: Experience faster healing and exceptionally comfortable care with advanced laser dentistry. Our soft tissue laser and hard tissue laser provide precision treatment with reduced bleeding, minimal discomfort, and no stitches required.
Sleep Apnea Treatment: Our sleep apnea dentists help you get a restful night's sleep and protect your long term health with comfortable oral appliance therapy that relieves symptoms and improves your quality of life.
Invisalign: Straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably without the need for metal wires or brackets, achieving better speech and enhanced confidence with an Invisalign dentist.
Local Dentist: Partner with our highly skilled female dentist for an empathetic, thorough, and patient centered approach to your oral health.

Even if you just have questions about how aging affects your dental health, we are here to listen. Do not wait until a minor discomfort becomes a major dental issue. Contact our affordable, convenient, nearby practice today. Schedule your exam with the best dentist Scottsdale has to offer and protect your smile for years to come.

See Why We're The Senior Dentists Scottsdale Residents Trust!

“I recently had a new patient appointment for a tooth problem with Dr. Perkins. I have to say it was my best experience in a dental chair as a patient. I worked in the dental field for 30 years for many dentists and Dr Perkins has the best chair side manner I've ever seen. She is very friendly, kind, explains everything and constantly asks you to let her know if anything is uncomfortable or hurting while she works in your mouth. All the staff from the moment you arrive make you feel comfortable and heard. Let's face it, who enjoys going to the dentist? I highly recommend Dr Perkins for any of your dental needs, they're all AWESOME!”

Debbie Ber

“Dr Perkins has been wonderful -- I broke a tooth one night and even though she was out, she quickly returned my call, reassured me, and arranged for an appointment right away. Now I have my new crown which is very comfortable, something other dentists haven't always achieved. Her office staff and technicians are wonderful, too. Highly recommended.”

Margo Axsom

“Wow. I cannot say enough about this facility. I had a lot of anxiety coming to the dentist (hate to admit it had been a while). The entire staff was kind, patient and understanding. Jeanine and Dr. Perkins took their time educating me and taking me through every procedure without guilting me for skipping the dentist for years. This experience greatly calmed my nerves about the dentist. Would highly recommend.”