[Oromaxillofacial surgical treatment in aging patients]

The oral and maxillofacial surgical therapy of the elderly patient must include considerations of age-related physiological changes, both of inner organs and oral structures. Decreased hepatic and renal function may lead to delayed elimination of anaesthetic drugs and thereby make dose reductions necessary. Sclerosis or osteoporosis of jaw bones may render the surgical treatment of odontogenic diseases more difficult due to the increased fracture hazard. Painful ankylosis and rheumatic arthritis of the temporo-mandibular joint, tumors and fractures are common diseases of the elderly patient that a maxillofacial surgeon has to deal with. Furthermore, preprosthetic and reconstructive surgery is often required after jaw resections or severe atrophy. Due to the polypathy frequently present in elderly patients maxillofacial surgery requires particular indications, special surgical performance, and extensive postoperative care. By using all possible means, a satisfactory treatment can be achieved even in this age patients, whose quality of life can thus be improved.