Tooth loss undoubtedly has a social and psychological effect on patients. Replacement of missing teeth using implants can provide a more stable outcome that greatly improves a patient’s confidence when smiling, speaking and eating. However, implant-supported restorations need regular review. Whilst survival and success rates are no lower in the elderly, there are some particluar issues. These include increasing medical comorbidity, polypharmacy, reduced salivation, difficulty in attending appointments and declining oral hygiene. In addition, patients may not be suitable for surgical management. Therefore, easier-to-maintain-and-manage implant solutions should be considered in elderly patients in case of complications.
Feature Article
Nov 13, 2018 // 14 min read
Sociological Considerations and Maintenance Care Aspects in Elderly Patients
DOI: 10.3290/iti.fi.45668
Abstract
Introduction
This article reviews the sociological considerations and maintenance of implants in the elderly. Previous articles have covered the issues of treating the elderly and which approaches may be best suited. The first part of this paper looks at the effect of tooth loss on an individual and how implant-supported restorations can provide benefit. The second part discusses maintenance, which, whilst no different, is complicated by particular issues found in the elderly.
For this article, elderly means over 75, with probable declining health and possibly preparing to enter aged-care. With increasing lifespan, what is considered elderly will keep changing. Not all those over 75 are frail or in poor health and each patient needs to be treated individually, based on their physical and mental health not just their chronological age. Surprisingly there is very little data reporting solely on implant outcomes in the elderly.