EC Dental Science

The growing elderly population in Europe is increasingly facing a range of dental and medical issues, being particularly significant. Longer life expectancies and lower birth rates, is putting additional pressure on healthcare systems to address these complex and interconnected health issues. There is a growing need for integrated care models that consider the unique challenges of treating elderly dental prosthetic patients with multiple medical conditions, including the coordination between dental and medical care to ensure comprehensive treatment plans. While implants and fixed prosthetics offer stability and improved functionality, removable dentures can also provide significant benefits, particularly when adjusted to the needs of the elderly. Well-fitted removable dentures can improve chewing efficiency, speech, and overall comfort, contributing positively to an elderly person’s quality of life without the high costs associated with more permanent solutions. 

By focusing on accessibility, caregiver support, and policy advocacy, society can better address the oral health challenges faced by the growing elderly population, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to maintain their dignity and well-being.

 Keywords: Elderly; Oral Health; Removable Dentures; Implants

1. Finbarr A. “Pragmatic care for an aging compromised dentition”. Australian Dental Journal 1 (2019): S63-S70.
2. Allen P., et al. “Prosthodontic care for elderly patients”. Dental Update 7 (2011): 460-462.
3. Ćatović A., et al. “Investigation of oral health of elderly in Zagreb”. Medix 75/76 (2008): 193-196.
4. Bousiou A., et al. “Sociomedical and oral factors affecting masticatory performance in an older population”. Clinical Oral Investigations 4 (2022): 3477-3486.
5. Ćatović A., et al. “Proper oral hygiene importance for elderly oral and general health”. Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 6 (2019): 82-85.
6. Schimmel M., et al. “Implants for elderly patients”. Periodontology 20001 (2017): 228-240.
7. Ettinger R. “Dental implants in frail elderly adults: a benefit or a liability?” Special Care in Dentistry 2 (2012): 39-41.
8. C de Baat. “Success of dental implants in elderly people--a literature review”. Gerodontology 1 (2000): 45-48.
9. Vazouras K and Taylor T. “Full-arch removable vs fixed implant restorations: A literature review of factors to consider regarding treatment choice and decision-making in elderly patients”. International Journal of Prosthodontics 34 (2021): s93-s101.
10. C de Baat. “Elderly people and removable partial dentures”. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Tandheelkunde 12 (2009): 665-668.
11. Cinquanta L., et al. “Patient attitude and habits regarding removable denture home hygiene and correlation with prosthesis cleanliness: A cross-sectional study of elderly Italians”. Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry 5 (2021): 772.e1-772.
12. Davino de Medeiros M., et al. “Prosthetic rehabilitation status, dental prosthesis functionality and masticatory function in nursing home residents”. Gerodontology3 (2022): 310-319.
13. Oishi M., et al. “Dental care in programs of all-inclusive care for the elderly: Organizational Structures and protocols”. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association 6 (2021): 1194-1198.
14. Ghanbari-Jahromi M., et al. “A factors affecting oral and dental services` utilization among elderly: a scoping review”. BMC Oral Health 1 (2023): 597.
15. Persson J., et al. “Oral care cards as a support in daily oral care of frail older adults: Experiences and perceptions of professionals in nursing and dental care-a qualitative study”. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15 (2022): 9380.
16. Wong F., et al. “Oral health and its associated factors among older institutionalized residents-A systematic review”. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 21 (2019): 4132.
17. Bekiroglu N., et al. “Oral complaints of denture-wearing elderly people living in two nursing homes in Istanbul, Turkey”. Oral Health and Dental Management 3 (2012): 107-115.
18. Friel T and Waia S. “Removable partial dentures for older adults”. Primary Dental Journal 3 (2020): 34-39.
19. Ohkubo C., et al. “Maintenance issues of elderly patients requiring nursing care with implant treatments in dental visiting: position paper”. International Journal of Implant Dentistry 8 (2022): 63.