Dental Implants in the Geriatric Population: Challenges in Developing Economies

Abstract

Aging is a natural process that results in biological and physiological changes in the body. geriatric dental patients pose unique challenges that are not routinely seen in younger patients. The difference in bone size, density, shape, and quality present unique opportunities for clinicians to consider when planning for implant replacement therapies in geriatric patients. Despite these setbacks, the popularity of implants in dentistry has risen in recent times and more clinicians and patients see the potentials for oral rehabilitation among the geriatric population. This article attempts to appraise the challenges associated with the provision of dental Implants to the older age group, particularly in developing economies. The challenges of implant treatment in developing countries remain enormous but not insurmountable. As implant treatment for a dental prosthesis in developing countries gains popularity amongst geriatric patients, clinicians must balance this treatment choice on the overall desire and health of the patient, while evaluating his clinical and laboratory competence. Decision on whether or not to place an implant in the mouth of a geriatric patient should not be made on the background of age but on a cocktail of economic, local, and systemic factors.