CHAPTER 29- TREATMENT PLANNING FOR PATIENTS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

Why are more patients requiring special dental care?

More individuals are living longer and surviving medical diseases, resulting in more patients with medical or physical disorders.

What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provide?

A clear, strong, enforceable standard addressing discrimination against people with disabilities.

What does Title I of the ADA address?

Employment discrimination.

What does Title II of the ADA address?

Access for disabled individuals.

What does Title III of the ADA address?

Public accommodations.

What does Title IV of the ADA address?

Telecommunication services.

What is the fastest-growing segment of the population?

The aging population.

What causes the aging population to increase?

A declining birth rate and increased longevity.

What are the three stages of aging?

Functionally independent older adult, frail older adult, and dependent older adult.

What is the goal of the dental team when treating older patients?

Factor special oral health issues into the treatment planning phase.

How can poor oral health affect an older patient?

A person's general health can deteriorate because of poor oral health.

What should be completed along with the medical history for each patient?

A medication profile.

What is xerostomia?

A condition from certain disorders and medications that causes decreased flow of saliva.

Why is periodontal disease an increasing problem in older patients?

Tissues of older patients may be slower to heal.

What types of dental decay increase with aging?

Coronal caries, root caries, and recurrent decay around defective restorations.

Why do teeth become dark and brittle with aging?

Deposits of secondary dentin gradually reduce the size of the pulp chamber.

What is bone resorption?

Loss of the alveolar ridge.

How can a medical condition affect dental treatment?

The condition may have oral side effects or require modifications in treatment planning, scheduling, or care.

How can medications affect dental treatment?

Medications used for a condition may have oral side effects.

What neurological conditions can affect dental patients?

Alzheimer's disease, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

What cardiovascular disorders can affect dental patients?

Hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and heart valve defects.

What pulmonary disorders can affect dental patients?

Asthma and emphysema.

What does COPD stand for?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

How can arthritis affect the TMJ?

The patient may not be able to open wide enough for optimal treatment.

How can arthritis affect a patient's hands?

Hands are often affected, requiring modifications in the home-care routine.

How can arthritis medications affect patients?

They may predispose the patient to infection.

What are the two types of diabetes?

Type I and Type II.

What must a diabetic patient do before a dental appointment?

Eat before the appointment.

What infections are diabetic patients more likely to experience?

Periodontal disease and postoperative infection.

What other oral complications can occur with diabetes?

Xerostomia and poor wound healing.

What components can contribute to mental illness?

Biologic, genetic, psychological, and social components.

How can psychiatric disorders affect dental treatment?

Prescribed drugs influence the function of the brain.

How does depression affect dental care?

Depression leads to poor self-care.

How can anxiety affect dental treatment?

Anxiety may cause behavior problems during treatment.

What oral side effect do most psychiatric drugs cause?

Xerostomia.

What are examples of mental illnesses?

Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia.

What does PTSD stand for?

Posttraumatic stress disorder.

What should be considered when transferring a wheelchair-bound patient?

Transferring the patient.

How should the dental team communicate with a vision-impaired patient?

The patient relies on their sense of touch and verbal communication.

How should the dental team communicate with a hearing-impaired patient?

Face the patient, speak slowly, keep directions simple, and give written instructions.

What is premedication?

Medication prescribed to calm and ease the patient prior to treatment.

What is nitrous oxide oxygen?

A method of mild sedation that can help calm a patient for treatment.

What is physical restraint used for?

To prevent possible injury to the child and dental team.

What is another name for Down syndrome?

Trisomy 21.

What causes Down syndrome?

A chromosomal aberration resulting in abnormal physical characteristics and mental impairment.

What range can the mental impairment associated with Down syndrome involve?

Mild to moderate retardation.

What are characteristics associated with Down syndrome?

Loss of muscle strength and tone, possible heart conditions, abnormalities in dental development, and periodontal problems.

When does the developmental phase occur according to the presentation?

Prenatal through age 18.

What are examples of developmental disabilities?

Intellectual disability, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

What is cerebral palsy?

A nonprogressive neural disorder caused by brain damage occurring prenatally, during birth, or postnatally before the central nervous system reaches maturity.

What are the characteristics of cerebral palsy?

Paralysis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, other motor function disorders, and poor oral hygiene.