Your dental visit will likely consist of the following:  

* X-rays: Normally given at least one a year though they may be needed sooner depending on the status of your dental health. They are used to spot problems undetectable to the eye such as bone deterioration below the gum line.

* Dental Exam: During a dental exam your dentist will check your mouth, teeth and gums for signs of cavities, a loose tooth filling and gum disease. He or she will also look at your neck, lymph glands, cheeks, tongue and lips to check for signs of infection or oral cancer.

* Dental Cleaning: You will also normally have a basic dental cleaning where the dentist or dental hygienist will scrape off any dental plaque or tartar from above and below your gum line, then polish and floss your teeth.

* Treatment Plan: Depending on what the dentist observes during the exam, he or she will recommend a dental treatment plan. Your dentist can also review proper self-care tips for brushing, flossing and caring for dentures.

It is important to talk to your dentist and keep the informed. Make sure to mention any sores, swelling or pain you might be experiencing in your mouth. Let your dentist know if you smoke, have any allergies or have any existing medical conditions. Also, tell your dentist about all the medications you take, both prescription and over-the-counter. Some can cause problems such as dry mouth; others may interact with medications your dentist may prescribe. An informed dentist is able to best treat you and maintain your good dental health.

It is a good idea to choose a time for your dental appointment when you are normally at your best, whether that is first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon, to ensure that you are feeling your most energetic and least stressed.  If you have any special needs, suffer from dental anxiety or have a disability, let the staff know in advance so they can better accommodate you. Also if you feel you will need more time then make sure they book your appointment accordingly so that you are not feeling rushed at your appointment.

If you have a dental PPO insurance plan, preventive care such as dental exams X-rays and basic cleaning is normally covered at around 80 – 100 percent depending on how long you may of had the plan.  If you are beyond your plans waiting periods and are having major dental services make sure to ask for an estimate of costs so you will be prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses.

A lower cost dental insurance plan with fewer limitations would be an HMO dental insurance plan. HMO dental plans are normally fee base and therefore you know your cost before having dental work done.     If you do not have dental insurance, dental offices will sometimes have payment plans for care or offer discounts for cash payments. You may also want to look into a low cost dental discount plan that also helps to reduce your dental care cost.

By having regular dental check ups it allows your dentist to check for problems before they become too serious. Seniors should visit their dentist at least twice a year. However, those with ongoing dental concerns such as the need for gum disease treatment may need to go more often.

Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should still see the dentist at least once a year.  The dentist can check to make sure your dentures fit well and are in good condition. Your dentist will also examine your mouth, gums, cheek and tongue for signs of oral cancer, which is more common after the age of 40

Dentures and Dental Visits  Many people with a full dentures may feel there is no reason to see a dentist since they no longer have teeth.  However it is still important to maintain your regular dental visits even if you no longer have your natural teeth.  The dentist will still be able to examine your mouth to check for any problems with the gum ridges, the tongue and joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer.  Also there may be times when you dentures will need to be adjusted or alined in order to maintain proper fit.

Also it is a good idea to have dental insurance a good low cost HMO plan will help you not only get affordable dentures when need but keep your denture repairs and alinements affordable too.

Seeing a dentist regularly is important at any age. Yet with age does bring more dental issues that may require additional care. Dentists are trained to detect problems caused by the aging process. Early detection of gum disease and cavities decreases the need for more extensive and expensive treatment of the mouth, gums and teeth.

Seniors may experience the problem of gums moving back from the teeth which exposes  tooth roots to plaque. This can result in teeth that are sensitive to temperature and are more at risk of decay.  However a dentist can help you address any receding gum issues.

Here are a few more additional tips on maintaining good oral health 

1) Avoid tobacco whether chewing or smoking tobacco will over time damage your dental and oral health.  Smokers have seven times the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers.

2) Limit alcohol. Did you know that heavy use of alcohol increases you risk factor for oral and throat cancers?

3) Eat wisely. Avoiding sugars and starches when snacking applies to both adults as well as kids. After having a sugary snack try and drink a glass of water or chew on sugar free gum when brushing is not an option.

Seniors do not really have any extra at home dental care habits to maintain unless advise by their dentist.  However, it is important to know that as we age there are subtle to more serious changes that can occur in our mouth, gums and teeth. Teeth may lose their whiteness and darken in color, and plaque builds up on teeth faster as we grow older. The risk of gum disease also is higher as we age.

If left untreated, gum disease may also damage the bone that holds teeth in place, possibly causing tooth loss. Other factors contributing to gum disease are dentures that do not fit, poor oral hygiene, illnesses and many medications.  However by seeing your dentist at least twice a year (or as often as advised by your dentist) for a dental check up and professional cleaning you help to maintain good oral health.

There are many seniors that suffer from arthritis or have other dexterity problems, making it difficult for them to brush and floss their teeth and maintain good dental care habits.  Here are some tips that may help:

1) Use a wide elastic band to attach the toothbrush handle to the hand.

2) Enlarge the toothbrush handle with a piece of wood or plastic.

3) Use an electric toothbrush.

4) Tie the ends of floss together, making a circle before flossing or use a floss holder.

For many people one of the main advantages of having a dental implant or implants is that they look like your natural teeth. The implant crown is sculpted by your dentist to look just like a natural tooth, so that even up close, it would be difficult to tell the difference between the implant and the surrounding teeth.

Taking care of your dental implants is just like taking care of your real teeth. Normal daily brushing and flossing is the best way to care for your dental implants. Because the implant acts like the root of a natural tooth, you can floss around it just like your natural teeth.

Unlike dentures or removable bridges, implants will not shift in your mouth, and they provide the same chewing force as a natural tooth. Dental implants are also extremely practical, since they do not require any special care like dentures. Keep in mind just like real teeth seeing your dentist regularly is also key in taking care of your dental implants and your dental health.