Senior Dentistry

Senior Dentistry

As we age, our dental care needs change. Seniors may need more restorative care to ensure a healthy smile. 

Seniors should also be aware of links between periodontal disease (gum disease) and other medical conditions such as heart disease. See more on our Mouth Body Connection page. Regular dental hygiene appointments are important to help detect oral health issues early, when they are easier to treat.

We also have a discount dental program for seniors who are no longer covered by private dental insurance (see Dental Care Advantage below).

A dental filling is the repair of the crown of a natural tooth. It replaces the portion of the tooth that is missing or unstable due to tooth decay or fracture. Amalgam and composite fillings both have advantages and disadvantages. The type of filling your dentist may recommend typically depends on the situation and your priorities.

  • Composite fillings are white fillings designed to match the color of your teeth and are bonded into place. Composite fillings are more natural-looking than traditional silver fillings.
  • Amalgam fillings are traditional silver fillings. They offer similar benefits as composite fillings, but are generally used on back teeth where they will be less visible. Silver fillings have strength and durability which is critical on back teeth where chewing forces are greatest.

A crown fits over a tooth like a cap to restore it to its normal shape and size. In essence, it “resurfaces” and rebuilds the tooth. Crowns are often used when a tooth has lost its strength and structural integrity due to a larger cavity, fracture or excessive fillings. Crowns are used to restore teeth, attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth, restore fractured teeth, cover poorly shaped or colored teeth, and/or cover dental implants. Crowns are custom-made in a dental laboratory based on an impression made of your tooth. They are typically made out of a metal alloy, porcelain or a combination of the two. You and your dentist will determine the optimal approach based on the position of the tooth and other factors.

A bridge—also known as a fixed partial denture—replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth are missing. Similar to crowns, bridges prevent your teeth from shifting and close open spaces with a natural-looking artificial tooth. This reduces the stresses from your bite by replacing the missing tooth and helps maintain the shape of your face. Bridges come in both fixed and removable options. Your dentist can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. Gum disease can affect patients of all ages, and even the healthiest of smiles can be at risk. Gingivitis is the initial stage of this disease, and, if treated at this stage, gum disease can often be prevented and reversed. However, if left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and unsightly changes to the soft tissues around the teeth. The good news is that gum disease is relatively easy to prevent by maintaining proper dental hygiene (brushing and flossing) and making regular dental visits.

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Root canals are typically needed when an untreated cavity progresses rapidly and spreads to the pulp of the tooth. The tooth pulp is made up of blood vessels, connective tissues and nerves. Once the bacteria of decay have reached the tooth pulp, it can be extremely painful. If your dentist determines that a root canal is the best solution for you, the procedure can typically be done with minimal discomfort and keeps you from losing the tooth.

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Full or partial dentures give people who have lost all or some of their teeth the ability to eat, speak and smile. The full denture replaces all of the patient’s natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Without the support of teeth, facial muscles may begin to sag. The partial denture simply replaces missing teeth so the remaining teeth do not move or become crooked. Crooked teeth are difficult to clean which results in decay and other dental problems.

Dental implants are changing the way people live and are often the best option for people who have experienced tooth loss. They are the closest thing to natural teeth that modern dental technology has to offer. They are a desirable alternative to dentures as these are “permanent teeth” that look, feel and function similar to natural teeth. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The posts act as tooth root substitutes and, within three to six months, the bone bonds with the titanium to create a strong foundation for artificial teeth. If you are considering dental implants, give us a call and we will thoroughly examine your mouth and dental records to determine if they are a good option.

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Western New York Dental Group now offers the Dental Care Advantage Senior Program which provides discounts on dental, vision, chiropractic and hearing care for members age 55+. Members of the discount program are eligible to receive savings on services such as dentures, dental implants, root canals and more when members see a participating provider. Enrollment is as easy as visiting your nearest New York Western New York Dental Group office or by calling 1-888-540-9488.

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Our Dental Offices Near You

Western New York Dental Group Holland

9 North Main Street Holland NY 14080 (716) 537-2211

Western New York Dental Group Hamburg

5907 South Park Avenue Hamburg NY 14075 (716) 646-3912

Western New York Dental Group Blasdell

3860 McKinley Parkway Suite 200 Blasdell NY 14219 (716) 649-1307

Western New York Dental Group Orchard Park

3326 Southwestern Blvd Orchard Park NY 14127 (716) 677-4255
Fax (716) 677-4358
Orthodontics (716) 343-0847
Pediatrics 716-209-3331

Western New York Dental Group West Seneca

800 Harlem Road Suite 400 West Seneca NY 14224 716-824-5857

Western New York Dental Group Depew

6350 Transit Road Depew NY 14043 Main (716) 206-0718
Fax (716) 206-0728
Orthodontics (716) 343-0847

Western New York Dental Group Buffalo Main St

2121 Main St Suite 310 Buffalo NY 14214 (716) 832-3108

Western New York Dental Group Buffalo Delaware Ave

2290 Delaware Ave Suite 300 Buffalo NY 14216 (716) 885-1905

Western New York Dental Group Henrietta: Jefferson Road

1300 Jefferson Road Suite 300 Rochester NY 14623 (585) 625-1250

Western New York Dental Group Williamsville - Youngs Rd

1020 Youngs Road Suite 100, Youngs Center Williamsville NY 14221 716-636-1600
716-636-2595
Pediatrics 716-209-3331

Western New York Dental Group Brighton: West Henrietta Road

2024 W. Henrietta Road Suite 5J Rochester NY 14623 (585) 292-1270

Western New York Dental Group Hopkins (formerly Dr.Steven Stern)

867 Hopkins Road Williamsville NY 14221 (716) 688-9639
Fax (716) 688-9698

Western New York Dental Group Getzville

2430 N Forest Rd Suite 200 Getzville NY 14068 (716) 636-8686
Orthodontics (716) 343-0847

Western New York Dental Group Penfield

43 Willow Pond Way Suites 107 & 112 Penfield NY 14526 585-421-8168

Western New York Dental Group Gates

2300 Buffalo Road Building 400 Rochester NY 14624 585-426-3020


Western New York Dental Group Tonawanda

88 Niagara Street Tonawanda NY 14150 (716) 343-6711

Western New York Dental Group Greece

1524 Ridge Road West Stoneridge Plaza Rochester NY 14615 Main (585) 865-2200

Orthodontics (585) 510-6353

Western New York Dental Group Webster

980 Ridge Road Webster NY 14580 Main (585) 667-1000

Western New York Dental Group Greece (Long Pond)

1100 Long Pond Road Suite 115 Rochester NY 14626 585-225-7790

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What Our Patients Say

  • What a team! From the reception staff to the hygienists to the doctors, everyone is warm welcoming and outstanding customer service. Building is clean and organized. They don't shame you but instead educate you on dental health. All in all, the best dentist office I have ever gone to and I won't be changing any time soon!

    Elizabeth K.

    NY

  • I'll make it short and sweet. The staff has been absolutely phenomenal, they're always quick to get me in, and I've never had a better experience anywhere else. They have two concerns, my comfort (both physical and mental) and my teeth, and it's in that order. Don't go anywhere else, if you do you're missing out

    Joshua K.

    NY

  • Love this office! Very friendly, professional Staff. My kids love the waiting area. Excellent care!

    Holly N.

    NY

  • Out of all the dentists that take my insurance, they were the only who would get me in within 24 hours for an emergency. All the rest said 3 weeks to month. I have dental anxiety but not the traditional fear of pain and needles kind. The kind that stems from over 30 years of having dental problems and no dentist ever listening to me and taking me seriously. So, I've given up. But, already in just one visit, WNY Dental has been different. I don't expect a miracle, and even if in the end, It's ....

    Amy L.

    NY

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