Elderly patients

Question 1

Gerondontology

Answer 1

age related changes to the oral tissues, their trt is different in some aspects from those who are younger

Question 2

Skin

Answer 2

has less underlying fat and elasticity

this gives increased tissue fragility + likelihood of soft tissue trauma + bruising postoperatively

Question 3

Bone

Answer 3

tends to be more brittle, especially in postmenopausal women who may have some degree of osteoporosis - jaw bones increased risk of fracture during extraction

Those who take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis need referral to XLA as bone necrosis risk is high
The natural resorption of jaw bones following XLA makes denture retention difficult to achieve

Question 4

Oral mucosa

Answer 4

thinner + less elastic - easier to traumatise
the ridge areas are less tolerate of bearing dentures with discomfort + ulceration likely
gingival recession be more pronounced increased risk of root caries

Question 5

Salivary glands

Answer 5

more likely to suffer dry mouth (xerostomia)
leads to increased caries rate as self-cleansing saliva is reduced and can cause problems with swallowing, speech + denture retention as well as localised periodontal conditions

Question 6

Teeth

Answer 6

darkening in colour, narrowing + sclerosis of pulp chamber lead to difficulties in gaining access to root canal
have reduced sensitivity

Question 7

Difficulties accessing dental care

Answer 7

poor mobility restricts access, complicated medical problem which may limi dental trts available to them
complicated drug regime which may interact with anaesthesia + dental medicaments
senile dementia difficult for explanations
visual impairment or hearing loss