[Possiblities and limitations of implantology in older patients]

Inspite of major progress in preventive dentistry the loss of all teeth is still considered characteristic of old age. In addition to the classical procedures of preprothetic surgery for an improvement of the denture bearing structures the insertion of implants into an edentulous ridge has gained increasing importance in recent years. In view of the great clinical practicability and success rate of osseointegrated implant systems we decided to insert implants into an edentulous ridge also in patient with generally compromised health and severely atrophic jaws to restore of masticatory function in these cases. Complete restoration of masticatory function so far has been achieved in 35 patients over the age of 65 by insertion of osseointegrated implants alone or in combination with a bone graft. Results may be summarized by saying that age is not of particular relevance for patient selection before osseointegrated implants are inserted. It is more important to carefully assess morphological structures, physical and psychological status, and individual stress tolerance of the patient.