Medically reviewed by Dr Matthew Sng ·
Dental care adapted for older adults: dry mouth, worn or heavily restored teeth, gum disease and dentures, with treatment planned around medical conditions and medications.
It is important to show some attention to your oral health if you want your teeth and gums to stay healthy in your later years. Elderly patients are more prone to gum disease, dental decay, oral cancer, mouth infections, and tooth loss. The good news is that these dental conditions can often be prevented.
At Advanced Dental, our multi-disciplinary team of dentists are experienced in treating and caring for elderly patients with underlying medical conditions.
Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone underneath your gums. A crown can then be placed on the implant.
As implants are fused to the jawbone, they are very stable and can feel almost identical to natural teeth.
At Advanced Dental, we provide a range of treatments such as:
Find out more about Implants!
Dental crowns can be thought of as a “cover” or a “cap” that provides full-coverage protection for a damaged tooth.
Dental bridges consist of two crowns that are fitted onto existing teeth adjacent to a space created by missing teeth. Artificial teeth connected between the crowns will “bridge” the gap.
At Advanced Dental, we provide a range of treatments such as:
Find out more about Crowns and Bridges!
Dentures are removable appliances that usually consist of artificial teeth connected to a pink plastic base.
At Advanced Dental, we provide a range of treatments such as:
Find out more about Dentures!
Our general dentists provide care for older adults, including patients with underlying medical conditions. Dr Natasha Poon holds a Graduate Diploma in Geriatric Dentistry. The recommended clinician depends on your needs.
Older adults whose dental needs are shaped by dry mouth, worn or heavily restored teeth, gum disease, dentures, and medical conditions or medications. Treatment is planned around general health and what is realistic and comfortable for the person.
Varies with the treatment; visits can be kept shorter and paced to suit comfort and mobility.
Depends on the treatment and the person's general health; the team plans aftercare with any medical conditions and medications in mind.
Care is coordinated with medical conditions and medications, which can affect healing and treatment choices. Dry mouth and existing dental work raise the risk of decay and gum problems, so prevention and regular review are emphasised.
Geriatric dentistry focuses on the dental needs of older adults. It covers common age-related concerns such as dry mouth, gum disease, decay around the roots of teeth, worn or sensitive teeth, and the care of dentures, bridges, and implants.
Older adults more often experience dry mouth (frequently a side effect of medication), gum disease, decay around the roots of teeth, tooth wear, and sensitivity. Difficulty cleaning around bridges or dentures can also lead to problems if it is not managed.
Yes. CHAS subsidises common dental treatment for cardholders and for Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors. Surgical procedures are MediSave-claimable. From mid-2026, patients aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave (up to S$400 a year) towards permanent crowns and root canal treatment at CHAS clinics.
In most cases, yes — with proper planning. Let your dentist know about your medical conditions and any medications you take (such as blood thinners) so treatment can be adjusted to keep it safe and comfortable.
Find out whether an implant is suitable before deciding on treatment. An assessment covers your teeth, gums and jawbone, the alternatives and the fees. An Osstem implant with a metal crown starts at S$2,600; consultation, X-rays and medication are separate.
Compare implants, bridges and removable dentures for replacing missing teeth.
Removable replacements for missing teeth — full or partial — made of acrylic or metal-framed cobalt-chromium. Fitting takes several appointments, with adjustments as you adapt.
How dental care is adapted for patients living with dementia, and what carers can do
The changes that come with age — dry mouth, root decay, worn teeth — and how to manage them
Four dental problems that become commoner with age, and how they are managed
