Oral Prosthetic Rehabilitation for Alzheimer Patients: Planning, Procedures, and Follow-Up

Tânia E Silva Pulicano Lacerda

doi:10.4172/2167-7182.1000251

Abstract

This work aims at discussing prosthetic oral rehabilitation for Alzheimer patients, from planning until followup. In general, techniques for making dentures and implants for such patient are the same used in a healthy one. However, Alzheimer’s Disease does not affect only patients, but also their entire personal relations, such as family members, caregivers, and, in a broader sense, all of society. Throughout this paper, a session on the importance of accessibility in dental clinics for these patients will be developed, followed by the peculiarities in planning their dental prosthesis, as well as orientations on diets, hygiene, and mastication. Thus, the planning of treatments will be altered according to the general physical state of the patient, his or her degree of dependence on others, and life expectancy. In later stages of the disease, for instance, the patient is commonly affected by dysphagia, which the dentists while dealing with Alzheimer patients are innumerous, which emphasizes the need for the dentist to maintain an inter professional line of communication, for example, with physicians, nutritionists, and speech therapists, providing the patient with a singular treatment plan.

Highlights

The Brazilian Context and Patients’ ProfilesReflecting upon the prosthetic rehabilitation for Alzheimer patients, it is important to keep in mind that such individual presents certain singularities, which must be recognized since the very beginning
In later stages of the disease, for instance, the patient is commonly affected by dysphagia, which the dentists while dealing with Alzheimer patients are innumerous, which emphasizes the need for the dentist to maintain an inter professional line of communication, for example, with physicians, nutritionists, and speech therapists, providing the patient with a singular treatment plan. decisions
The major distinction is the interprofessional approach in the management of each case, which includes the work of physicians, speech therapists, and nutritionists

Summary

Introduction

Reflecting upon the prosthetic rehabilitation for Alzheimer patients, it is important to keep in mind that such individual presents certain singularities, which must be recognized since the very beginning. At least at this moment in Brazil, professionals seldom have adequate background to attend the specific needs of Alzheimer patients. The clinic needs to be adequate to receive these specific patients in the different stages of the disease, being prepared for home care sessions with proper tools and equipments. It is important to remember that patients can become dependent on the wheel chair, and the clinic must be adapted to them. While planning the prosthetic work, the dentist must take into consideration the number of visits to clinic that will require someone to accompany the patient

Peculiarities in the Planning of Dental Prosthesis for Alzheimer Patients

Findings

Final Remarks