Treatment of periodontal disease in older adults

The literature does not indicate that older adults differ from younger individuals in their response to periodontal treatment. However, in older adults, it is more common to find compromised general conditions that may negatively affect the patient's ability to maintain an adequate standard of self-performed plaque control. Although this can be compensated for partly by a carefully designed program for supportive therapy, the prevention and/or elimination of clinical signs of periodontal inflammation may not always be a reachable goal of periodontal therapy in older adults, particularly in those who are frail and functionally dependent. For many patients, a more realistic goal may be the control of disease progression in order to preserve a functional and comfortable dentition throughout life and hence, the decision making process regarding therapeutic levels for the individual patient must include factors such as the amount of remaining periodontal support, the risk for disease progression, demands for oral health and life expectancy.