Today, more Americans maintain full smiles as they age. In the past, tooth loss in retirement was simply considered to be a fact of life. With modern dental care in Lakeway, and effective retirement planning, you can keep more of your natural teeth and maintain a higher quality of life.

Dentistry continues to provide new solutions.

The advancement of dental technology is among the most critical factors driving the improvement of oral health in retired patients. Today, a wide range of new diagnostic methods and treatment options allows dentists to provide a higher standard of care.

When planning for dentistry in retirement, tooth loss is one of the top concerns. Modern imaging technology helps your dentist identify issues more accurately and at earlier stages. In turn,this allows them to carry out treatment that provides a better long-term outlook.

Tooth replacement and restoration options have also significantly improved. Traditional options, such as full and partial dentures, are still available, and their strength and durability have improved in recent years. Crowns, bridges, and onlays in various materials provide lasting protection and an easier treatment process.

Dental implants are among the latest types of dental care in Lakeway that can help patients enjoy a higher quality of life even after tooth loss. These titanium dental implants provide a long-lasting and incredibly strong foundation for your replacement teeth.

You can take steps to plan ahead for your oral health.

Like with other aspects of retirement planning, achieving good lifelong oral health is a matter of planning and taking action now. Thinking about your future today and making prudent health and financial decisions can help you keep more of your natural teeth and enjoy a fuller, stronger, and healthier smile as you age.

Focusing on Treatment Today

One of the most prudent decisions you can make about your long-term oral health is to seek any treatment you need today. Dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease only become more serious when left untreated. What might be a simple procedure now could require tooth extraction later down the line.

Getting dental care in Lakeway today will help you improve your oral health and save you money. Keeping your natural teeth in top condition prevents the need for more expensive treatments such as crowns or dental implants later in life.

Focusing on treatment today is also a smart idea if you have access to an employee dental plan. It would be incredibly beneficial for your long-term finances to obtain these treatments while paying only a fraction or even none of their costs.

10 Years Before Retirement

You should really start to take these actions about ten years before retirement. And of course, your oral health is just as important as your financial security. Make sure that you keep up with routine appointments every six months. This is also an ideal time to have any major procedures done to ensure a long-term outcome while still on your employee insurance plan.

You should take the time to understand what dental benefits you have and how they are structured. For example, you might have access to a flexible spending account (FSA) that provides pre-tax savings for healthcare expenditures.

A health savings account (HSA) is available for members enrolled in high deductible health plans (HDHPs). These different plans grow in unique ways and have varying rules.

5 Years Before Retirement

Five years before retirement, you should continue to keep up with regular exams and teeth cleanings every six months. If you have an HSA, you should consider that it will stop accumulating funds as you reach retirement. Plan ahead to save and budget accordingly for potential healthcare expenses.

You might consider dental insurance plans for retirement. A variety of insurance providers offer specific plans for retirees that can help support your oral health later in life. It is important to carefully assess the terms of any plan before committing.

1 Year Before Retirement

When retirement is rapidly approaching, you should use up the remainder of your FSA. Unlike an HSA, you won’t have access to any remaining balance after retirement, and it will be returned to your employer. Find out whether you need any dental care in Lakeway or other healthcare procedures.

You should also talk to your dentist about your retirement plan. They will provide information about your potential long-term outlook and what to expect. You’ll also want to work out any changes in billing related to your insurance.

Maintain your oral health into retirement.

Tomasik Family Dental provides quality dental care in Lakeway for patients of all ages. We’re your Hill Country dentist near Lakeway for routine care and restorative treatments, such as dental implants. Schedule an appointment today to find out how our modern dental treatments can help you enjoy a full smile at any age.