Dental implants. A role in geriatric dentistry for the general practice?
BACKGROUND
In the general population, the use of dental implants has become a management strategy for replacing missing teeth. As part of the treatment plan for the aging population, general dentists should consider this treatment modality in their practices.


BACKGROUND
This study reviews specific issues concerning the aging population and tooth replacement therapies. Older people often desire to replace missing teeth, but they have complex medical, social, economic and resource issues that must be accounted for in their treatment plan. Dentists need to give careful attention to the patient-based assessment, diagnostic criteria and diagnostic steps to help the patient and family understand the strengths and challenges of each type of tooth replacement therapy. The author emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation and assessment of fixed versus removable implant-retained prostheses in the aging population.


CONCLUSIONS
For many general dentists, dental implants have become an increasingly common treatment option for missing dentition. With the population becoming increasingly older worldwide, the general dentist will be confronted with patients who have complex medical and social histories who desire tooth replacement therapy. The rational delivery of this oral health care will assist in providing a high quality of life for these patients.
Stanford
Clark M
CM
Dows Institute for Dental Research, Department of Prosthodontics, University of Iowa, N447 Dental Science Building, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Clark-Stanford@uiowa.edu
D000368:Aged; D015921:Dental Implants; D005850:Geriatric Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D016388:Tooth Loss
D015921:Dental Implants