title: Endodontics and the older patient.
abstract: The number of elderly people in the population is rising and there is an increasing trend for tooth preservation. Older patients are more likely to have complex medical histories and/or physical disabilities. They are increasingly likely to retain their teeth, which could be heavily restored or broken down and root treatment may be challenging. In order to maintain teeth, a decision needs to be made as to whether or not to carry out endodontic treatment, which may be challenging in itself, and may also be associated with other age-related considerations. This paper considers endodontic issues related to the older patient, bearing in mind the plethora of considerations which may be relevant to root canal treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are many benefits of retaining teeth, but there may be disadvantages.
authors: School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH, UK.
authors: Alison J E
authors: AJ
authors: Qualtrough
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Mannocci
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000379:methods; D003784:Dental Pulp Calcification / Q000473:pathology; D003785:Dental Pulp Capping / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D057085:Tooth Wear