Immediate or transitional complete dentures: gerodontic considerations

Ageing society is a worldwide phenomenon, especially in western countries, were the proportion of the aged population reaches about 20%. Of this group about 50% constitute what is termed the old-old frail persons who suffer drastic physiological changes which exacerbate difficulties in classic dental and prosthetic treatments. Epidemiological surveys point out that many of the elderly present with about 12-14 teeth with bad periodontal conditions that should be extracted. As a result, special strategies have to be elaborated to give an appropriate solution to specific medical and prosthetic conditions. Transitional procedures are necessary to assure the smooth change between removable partial dentures and complete dentures. Even when implant supported dentures are planed this transition period is necessary. Clinical decision making is crucial to avoid stress to these medically compromised patients.