Considerations for implants in the geriatric patient: review of the literature

Abstract

The importance of proper oral hygiene and adequate oral function in elderly patients cannot be underemphasized. With a larger proportion of older people living healthy and active lives, clinicians are going to be expected to provide dental services to maintain satisfactory oral function in these patients. Over the past decade, the number of patients presenting with more teeth and fewer protheses has increased.

This trend is the result of increased emphasis by dental professionals on prevention and the need for patients to improve their oral hygiene practices. Implants and implant-supported prostheses are a viable treatment option in geriatric patients. However, successful results depend on careful attention to detail during surgical and prosthodontic procedures. In addition, specific patient selection criteria must be met. Patients should be motivated and cooperative and should not smoke or have parafunctional habits. Patients must understand their specific dental procedure and must not have unrealistic demands and/or expectations. Clinicians must make patients aware of the fact that esthetic compromises often are necessary. In this paper, I would like to remark Implant dentistry for geriatric patients with review of the literature. Especially, focused on proper patient selection and consideration of specific age related factors which can achieve successful and esthetically pleasing outcome.