STUDY OF THE INFORMATION LEVEL OF ELDERLY PATIENTS IN RELATION TO DENTAL IMPLANTS
Abstract:
Prophylactic methods, education, and the increasing levels of information networks have led
to a late total edentation installation on the elderly patient, but their psychosomatic status reduces the
possibilities of complex oral rehabilitation that ultimately compromises oral cavity functions. The
objective of the study: The study aims to identify possible obstacles to the decision to accept implant
restorations. Materials and methods: The study was undertaken on a group of 80 patients Health
Insurance House of Defense, Public Order, National Security and Judicial Authority (OPSNAJ) insured
and certificated in the Ambulatory Clinic of Dental Medicine of Sibiu Military Hospital, 45 women and
35 men. The patients had at least one total edentation, but all had total mandibular edentation and age
between 65 and 75 years. The patients received a questionnaire on the basis of which their knowledge of
implant systems and their attitude towards a possible rehabilitation of the total edentation with
prosthetic structures on implants were evaluated. Results and discussions: The study found that most
(88%) heard of implants but could not describe them, and the rest (7.5%) did not hear about their
existence or (4.5%) were informed of the existence of implants from various sources (family, friends,
television, etc.). The most reserved attitude with regard to dental implants is the price difference
compared to classical prosthesis, the lack of perception of the need for implants for the prosthetic piece,
the invocation of age with all the related geriatric disabilities. The results of the study show a lower
level of information in women and a much deficient prosthetic field with more obvious resorptions, and
in men more collateral geriatric diseases, most patients considering that it is not the age that prevents
them from submitting to a prosthetic rehabilitation on implants. Conclusion: With advances in medicine
and prolonging life expectancy, implant treatments are expected to increase to. Old age, the presence of
systemic illnesses or some psycho-social barriers that block the decision to accept implants are often
considered as negative factors in the application of such restorations.
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