Restorative dentistry considerations in the geriatric dentistry : systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: As the number of elderly people visiting dental clinics increases, it is essential to have sufficient information on the correct treatment as well as the appropriate treatment plan for these patients. Therefore, the present study aimed at reviewing the most important restorative considerations for the elderly.

METHOD: In this systematic review study, databases such as Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Google scholar, as well as Iranian databases were searched with the keywords of elderly dentistry and restorative considerations. Inclusion criteria were original articles and reviews related to restorative dentistry considerations for the elderly without a time limit and being written in either English or Persian. In order to combine the results of the research, a thematic content analysis method was applied.

RESULTS: The total number of documents recovered was 4208, the number of duplicate documents was 2042, and the number of documents reviewed was 17. The most important considerations related to the elderly included giving due attention to medical and social conditions, medication use, type of restorative teeth, level of restoration involved, use of dentures, age and gender, oral cancer screening, tooth decay education and prevention, and oral hygiene. The most important considerations related to restorative methods and materials were applying minimally invasive methods such as ART, more durable restorative materials, and giving due attention to the aesthetic and non-aesthetic needs of the elderly in choosing restorative materials. The most important considerations related to dentists were the differences in applying restorative methods and materials by experienced dentists in comparison younger dentists and the rate of referral of elderly people to dental centers.

CONCLUSION: The most important dental considerations of the elderly are using minimally invasive methods and restorative materials with easy maintenance which are washable according to their social, economic, medical, gender, and age conditions. It is also necessary to consider the prevention of tooth decay and provide the required training for families and their caregivers in nursing homes. The elderly people are also required to avoid change their dentists frequently to maintain their oral health.