Pragmatic treatment planning for the older dentate patient

Population ageing is a progressive trend in most developed nations, including Ireland. Alongside this trend, there has been a concomitant decrease in tooth loss among Irish adults (Whelton, 2007). As a result, there will be more dentate older patients presenting for care. Future treatment strategies will be based on patient demand, clinician skill set, pragmatism, future planning and cost-effectiveness.

This article presents the use of minimally invasive concepts in the management of older patients. As well as describing these principles, two cases treated by the staff and students of Cork University Dental School and Hospital are presented as examples.

Older patients can be provided with good aesthetic, functional outcomes using the principles of minimally invasive dentistry. Futhermore, these treatment options are less likely to fail catastrophically in future years, resulting in tooth loss and edentulousness in advanced years when adaptation may be challenging.

Treatment choices for older adults should be as evidence based an pragmatic as possible, with a view to impact of future failure.