The elderly population (people of 65 years and older), especially the compromised elderly, places an overwhelming demand on the health care system in the USA. Dentists must provide services to all segments of the elderly population, but the compromised elderly are labelled as 'poor' candidates for dental treatment because they are unlikely to cooperate, find it difficult to get to the dental surgery, or cannot pay for professional services. The authors of this paper have developed guidelines for on-site patient management using a team approach and a low-cost, portable treatment system for providing removable prosthodontic services using ligh-cured denture resin. The system is cost-effective, reduces chairside time and requires minimal patient cooperation but does not compromise the quality of care. Treatment can be provided in non-traditional settings with family members and support staff on-hand. The feasibility of this approach has been demonstrated by its use in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and private residences.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1993

Geriatric prosthodontics: an overview. Part I. Pretreatment considerations.

A rising geriatric population remains dentate and requires more dental care to maintain dental health and function. This article discusses psychological aspects of aging and considerations of age-related changes of teeth, oral tissues, nutrition, and metabolism in the elderly. Aging affects all tissues and systems, as do nutritional and metabolic factors. Numerous factors alter healing, host resistance, digestion and absorption, mastication, metabolic competency, renal and hepatic function, and excretory capability. Complex drug regimens further confuse clear diagnoses. Full consideration must be given these factors before treatment plans are formulated.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1993

Geriatric prosthodontics: an overview. Part II. Treatment considerations.

This two-part paper discusses treatment considerations for geriatric patients--a population that is on the rise. The first part of this paper examined the effects of aging on general health and on the oral environment. The second part discusses restorative treatment options for geriatric patients with caries, tooth wear, or missing teeth.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Craniomandibular disorders in the geriatric patient.

This paper represents a general review of basic age-related changes that take place in the craniomandibular apparatus and the most frequently presenting conditions associated with craniomandibular disorders (CMD) in the elderly. The evaluation of geriatric patients with signs or symptoms of CMD must consider (1) normal age-related changes in the craniomandibular apparatus and their impact on both normal function and responses to stress; (2) the role of dentition status and dental prosthesis in CMD; and (3) the contribution of malignant disease, psoriasis, arthritic conditions, pseudogout, granulomatous vascular conditions, and metaplastic involvement of tissue to the pathosis of CMD. The clinician must also be aware of various effects of psychologic, sociologic, and biologic aspects of aging on the development of headache and atypical facial pain as components of CMD in the geriatric patient.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Oral candidal infection and denture stomatitis: a comprehensive review.

Denture stomatitis rarely occurs without at least one predisposing factor that lowers patient resistance. A new disinfection technique for dentures and oral tissue may eliminate topical or anti-fungal drug use.

Aged↗

PubMed1992