Services

There are many kinds of conditions that can require specialty dental care. Our team is qualified to treat patients with a variety of needs.

Here are some reasons patients come to see us for their dental care:

Oral Health Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

For more than 40 years, Eastman Institute for Oral Health has had a team of compassionate providers who take extraordinary care of people with unique needs, including those with developmental or intellectual disabilities, cancer, or other medically complex conditions, and older adults where medications and the natural aging process can create oral health challenges.

Learn more about oral health care for persons with developmental disabilities.

Senior Citizens/Geriatric

Taking care of oral health needs is as important to seniors as it is to kids. At Eastman, we assess our patients' mobility, mentation,  medications and what matters to them, and then align our care with the patient's individual, specific health outcome goals. Geriatrics has had a strong presence at the University of Rochester and nationally for the past 50 years. Under the leadership of nationally esteemed geriatricians including T. Franklin Williams MD, Paul Katz MD, William Hall MD and Robert McCann MD, the University of Rochester Division of Geriatrics & Aging has advanced the care of older adults in our community, nationally and internationally.

Becoming a Patient - What to Expect: We first speak by phone for an initial screening to better understand your needs. We can accommodate patients who are in wheelchairs, need oxygen support or who may need a bariatric chair. We coordinate care with a medical specialist and are able to adjust dental treatment according to medical clearance levels. Social workers are also available to support and coordinate care. Our team includes specialists in oral surgery, implant and periodontal treatments, dentures and dry mouth. And, caregivers are always welcome to sit with the patient. For our patients with dementia, we follow the recommendations of the Alzheimer's Association, and have a special quiet room available.

Eastman Institute for Oral Health's Director of Geriatric Oral Health, Dr. Szilvia Arany, was recently awarded a federal grant to study the connection between a person's medications and his or her oral health. Decreased saliva production and dry mouth can have a major impact, such as problems with speaking and swallowing, soft tissue damage, cavities, and even upper respiratory tract infections. She is directing an innovative educational program that addresses the specific oral health needs of older adults and follows an essential set of evidence-based practices, while tying in valuable University of Rochester Medical Center resources through its Division of Geriatrics of Aging and training programs.

 

Causes for Concern in Older Adults

• Cavities/tooth decay
  No matter how old you are, your natural teeth can still get cavities. Improper cleaning and gum disease leads to decay. In addition to brushing, using fluoride gel, mouth wash, and toothpaste will help protect your teeth from decay.
• Gum disease
  Infections that harm your gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place are called gum disease. If your gums are swollen and bleed easily, you may have gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease will cause your teeth to loosen and fall out.
• Dentures
  As we age our mouth changes in shape, and dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced. Partial or full dentures require the same careful cleaning as your natural teeth.
• Dental implants
  Dental implants are small metal pieces that hold false teeth or partial dentures in place. Only a dentist can determine if you should have dental implants.
• Dry mouth
  Diseases and medical conditions (such as radiation therapy) can cause dry mouth. Eastman Institute for Oral Health is a leader in research on medications that improve and reduce dry mouth.
• Oral cancer
  People over 40 are at greater risk for oral cancer. Treatment is most effective with early detection. Even if you have no teeth of your own, a dentist should examine your mouth for oral cancer.
• One of our SMILEmobiles is wheelchair accessible and travels to nursing homes, housing complexes and other places to provide treatment to those who may have transportation or other access challenges.  Call 585-275-9362 for more information.

Dental Anxiety/Fear

Dental phobics are people whose discomfort with the idea of visiting the dentist is so strong that it keeps them away – even when they are in pain. Treatment ranges from establishing communication and trust between the patient and the dentist to the use of intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Our experts can help you decide what is best for you.

Cancer, Infectious Diseases, Organ Transplants

Our faculty providers and residents are trained to care for patients who are medically compromised. Call (585) 341-6888 to make an appointment.

Pre-Cardiac Surgery Dental Care

Patients with cardiovascular disease or those facing cardiac surgery are given special attention when it comes to receiving dental care because of the risk of infection and possible complications from medications. We work closely with specialists in the treatment of these patients. Our faculty providers and residents are trained to care for patients who are medically compromised.

Call (585) 341-6888 to make an appointment.