geriatric part 1

Page 1

  • Geriatric Dentistry and Prosthetics

    • Significance of geriatric dentistry and its relation to prosthetic treatments for the elderly.

Page 2

  • Geriatric Dentistry Overview

    • Specifically focuses on dental care for the elderly.

    • Addresses chronic physiological, physical, and psychological changes or diseases in elderly patients.

    • Oral health is a reflection of overall well-being in older adults.

  • Key Definitions

    • Dental Geriatrics:

      • Branch of dental care addressing unique issues in aging.

      • Focus on the dental needs of the elderly.

    • Growth, Development, Maturation:

      • Growth: Increase in size.

      • Development: Progress toward maturity.

      • Maturation: Stabilization of the adult stage after growth and development.

    • Aging:

      • Inevitable changes over time leading to functional impairment.

      • Defined as morphological and functional alterations that reduce survival under stress.

    • Gerontology:

      • Comprehensive study of aging: biological, physiological, sociological, and psychological aspects.

    • Gerodontics and Gerodontology:

      • Treatment and study of dental issues in older adults.

  • Causes of Aging

    • Genetic Level: Information encoding cellular functions.

    • Cellular Level: Maintenance of somatic cell integrity.

    • Organ and Organ System Level: Performance of physiological functions.

    • Coordination Level: Control and complexity of physiological functions.

Page 3

  • Factors Influencing Aging

    • Genetics:

      1. Mutations reducing lifespan.

      2. Species-specific aging patterns.

      3. Hybrid vigor impacting longevity.

      4. Gender differences in lifespan.

      5. Influence of parental age on children.

      6. Genetic conditions leading to premature aging.

    • Environmental Influences:

      1. Physical and chemical factors (e.g., pollution, radiation).

      2. Biological factors (e.g., nutrition, health).

      3. Impact of pathogens and parasites, especially in low-income regions.

      4. Socioeconomic conditions (e.g., housing, stress).

  • Aging vs. Other Changes

    • Distinction between physiological aging and pathological changes is challenging.

    • Aging may coincide with systemic diseases, surgeries, and treatments imparting additional effects on the body.

Page 4

  • Goals of Geriatric Dentistry

    1. To maintain the oral health of the elderly.

    2. To preserve the masticatory system's function through preventive measures.

    3. To support diseased patients in maintaining oral and overall health.

  • Objectives of Geriatric Dentistry

    1. Alleviate difficulties faced by elderly individuals.

    2. Restore and preserve key functions to ensure a normal life.

  • Psychological Disorders in Elderly Patients

    • Anxiety:

      • Response to perceived danger; can stem from changes in body integrity due to dental procedures.

    • Depression:

      • Response to significant loss; tooth loss can have catastrophic implications for self-esteem.

    • Conversion Hysteria:

      • Emotional conflicts manifest as physical symptoms.

    • Body Image Disturbance:

      • Changes to the mouth can deeply affect emotional well-being.

Page 5

  • Factors Influencing Patient Response

    1. Parental Influences: Attitudes towards body values influence perception of dental care.

    2. Sibling Influence: Sibling behaviors impact dental attitudes.

    3. Peer Group: Peer attitudes affect perceptions regarding dental care.

    4. Symbolic Significance of Tooth Loss: Associations with aging and loss of attractiveness.

    5. Current Life Circumstances: Stressful life situations can exacerbate responses to dental issues.

  • Basic Personality Traits in Dentistry

    • Success in dentistry can be enhanced by recognizing and addressing personal shortcomings and understanding patient psychology.

Page 6

  • Key Traits for Dentists

    • Be Agreeable: Cheerfulness and friendliness are crucial for patient rapport.

      • Maintaining a personal connection through patient information can enhance relationships.

    • Be a Good Listener: Listening actively can uncover patient needs and preferences.

    • Avoid Arguments: Influence decisions without confrontations; guide patients to their own conclusions.

    • Critique Tactfully: Use compliments to cushion constructive criticism.

    • Avoid Egoism: Humility fosters better relationships with patients.

    • Remember Names: Personal acknowledgment boosts patient comfort and self-esteem.

    • Show Interest in Others: Prioritizing patient interests over dental practice interests builds connection.

Page 7

  • Systemic Diseases and Dental Relations

    • Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) and Periodontitis:

      • Interrelation due to shared pathogenic bacteria; periodontal issues can lead to systemic infections.

    • Infective Endocarditis:

      • Matches between oral bacteria and infections in elderly patients.

    • Respiratory Infections:

      • Linked to poor oral hygiene leading to aspiration pneumonia.

    • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

      • Similar characteristics to periodontitis concerning inflammatory responses, though linkage not conclusively established.

Page 8

  • Diabetes Mellitus (DM):

    • Most prevalent in the elderly, with distinct oral health manifestations affecting periodontal health and tooth retention.