Rationale for moderately radical preparation of mouth cavity of elderly patients for implant prosthetics

INTRODUCTION: When preparing the oral cavity for implant prosthetics, a conservative, sparing method is traditionally used. This practice (‘preserve what remained’), on the one hand, seems logical, on the other hand, more radical methods exist. The duality of approaches creates difficulties in selection of the optimal treatment strategy.

AIM: To substantiate the reasonability of a radical approach to oral cavity sanation in elderly and senile individuals before implant prosthetics.

METHODS: The study involved 109 elderly and senile individuals. Two groups were formed: group 1 (the study group) included patients with partial tooth loss, a ‘decompensated dentition’, and conservative, sparing preparation for prosthetics (n=49), group 2 included patients with complete tooth loss and radical oral cavity sanation (n=57). Clinical and paraclinical (cone-beam computed tomography, orthopantomography, implant mobility testing, and clinical and sociological) research methods were used.

RESULTS: The results confirmed the superiority of reported anatomical, physiological and statistical parameters in patients of group 2. In addition, the prevention of complications, long-term longevity of implants and implant prostheses, fulfillment of guaranteed long-term treatment periods, significant reduction of financial and time expenditures were substantiated. Furthermore, the importance of improving the oral health of elderly and senile already comorbid and polymorbid patients by eliminating foci of periodontal and anaerobic microflora should be added.

CONCLUSION: The conducted study made it possible to substantiate the rationality of radical approach to preparing the oral cavity of elderly and senile patients for implant prosthetics.