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 spects 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 resist ance, 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.