Council on Aging Answers 2015 - 39

COUNCIL ON AGING - ORANGE COUNTY

There are proven, affordable ways to enable orally
handicapped patients to function while preventing
the continuous loss of the jawbone. One program
uses miniature titanium implants, which act like the
natural root of the tooth while holding the dentures.
It is a one-step procedure suited for seniors that cannot have extensive surgery due to medical reasons.
The procedure can be performed in one hour, requiring no sutures or the typical months of healing. The
mini implants will successfully prevent bone loss,
eventually prevent denture loss, and will greatly impact overall health as discussed earlier. In addition,
seniors with memory loss (Alzheimer's, dementia)
minimize their risk of losing their dentures since
they will be able to continuously wear them, even
while sleeping.
Dr. Charles Zahedi, is a Faculty member, Periodontics, School of Dentistry, UCLA and founder of the
Not-for-Profit Organization Oral Disability Rescue.
For more information on oral health contact Dr.
Zahedi at charles@mobiledentalusa.com or the American Dental Association at www.ada.org.

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Council On Aging-Orange County | 714-479-0107 | www.coaoc.org

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Answers Guide 2015

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dentist. If the patient resides in a long-term care
facility, contact a dentist who is trained to treat residents in the facility (nursing homes, assisted living
residence) without having to transport the patient.
When it comes to providing dental and oral services
for older adults in general, look for dental practitioners that have specialized knowledge, attitudes, and
the technical skills to care for them.
It is also important to note that patients that have
lost all of their teeth in one or both jaws are truly
handicapped. Although removable dentures are considered as a solution for this handicap, most denture
wearers are unaware that the pressure on their jaw
from their removable dentures results in continuous
loss of precious jawbone, which reduces the stability
of their dentures.
It can be frustrating to eat certain foods or even to
speak with confidence without the fear that their dentures will begin to float in their mouth. Not replacing
missing teeth with stable dentures prevents adequate
food intake, resulting in a lack of proper nutrients
and vitamins, which can lead to weight loss and the
serious medical conditions previously mentioned.

http://www.ada.org http://www.silveradocare.com/answersguide http://www.silveradocare.com/answersguide http://www.coaoc.org

Council on Aging Answers 2015

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