The use of a removable appliance to improve oral continence in an elderly dentate patient.
Challenges in the treatment of our older dentate patients are arising more frequently, and novel solutions may be required to overcome them. This case report describes the treatment given to an elderly dentate female patient, whose lax peri-oral musculature was preventing a satisfactory oral seal from being achieved. This resulted in constant "drooling" and much social disability in an otherwise fit and gregarious lady. A simple removable appliance was provided to increase support to the tissues at the angles of the mouth. An immediate relief of the salivary leakage was achieved and maintained. Simple solutions may be available to problems which may cause great distress to our patients reducing the quality of their lives. This solution to the problem of peri-oral leakage, of a normal volume of saliva, may be useful for many other patients with similar problems, following loss of peri-oral muscle tone with age.
Craddock
Helen L
HL
Division of Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK.
Nattress
Brian R
BR
Scupham
Steven C
SC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012798:Sialorrhea / Q000517:prevention & control*