Gerontology P2 Flashcards
What are the two main age-related changes in dentin?
Dentin undergoes secondary dentin formation and sclerosis, leading to reduced tubule count and more irregular structure.
How does secondary dentin formation affect tooth sensitivity?
Secondary dentin reduces sensitivity due to the gradual obturation of dentinal tubules.
What causes the translucency of dentin in older teeth?
Growth of peritubular dentin reduces tubule size, altering the refractive index and making dentin more translucent (transparent dentin).
How does aging affect the pulp chamber size & why?
The pulp chamber shrinks due to the continuous formation of secondary dentin, which varies between teeth.
Why does pulp healing capacity decrease with age?
Reduced blood supply, fewer cells, and nerve degeneration lower the pulp’s ability to repair, making procedures like pulp capping less successful.
What are pulp stones, and why are they more common in aging teeth?
Pulp stones are calcifications in the pulp, often increasing with age due to both pathological and age-related changes.
How does cementum deposition change with age, and why is this clinically significant?
Cementum deposition continues throughout life, thickening with age and compensating for tooth wear, especially at the root apex.
What is hypercementosis, and how does it affect elderly patients?
Hypercementosis is excessive cementum formation, often seen with local trauma or systemic conditions, potentially complicating extractions.
How does aging affect bone composition and resilience?
Aging reduces bone mineral content, leading to increased brittleness and decreased resilience, affecting implant placement and healing.
How does the thickness of oral soft tissues change with age?
Oral soft tissues thin with age, making them more vulnerable to injury, reduced salivary secretion, and slower healing.
What are the clinical implications of reduced salivary secretion in elderly patients?
Reduced saliva increases the risk of dry mouth, dental caries, and mucosal injury, particularly in patients on medications.
How does aging affect masticatory muscles?
Masticatory muscles atrophy with age, with muscle fibers being replaced by fat and connective tissue, reducing strength.
What is the relationship between disuse and masticatory muscle atrophy in the elderly?
Reduced muscle use due to softer food intake and tooth loss leads to further muscle atrophy and reduced bite force.
What common TMJ disorders are seen in older adults?
TMJ dysfunction, joint sounds, and osteoarthrosis are common in elderly patients, often leading to masticatory difficulties.
How does osteoarthrosis impact the TMJ in aging patients?
Osteoarthrosis causes joint degeneration, leading to pain, limited jaw movement, and masticatory problems.
