A REVIEW OF TRADITIONAL THERAPIES IN COMPLETE DENTURES

The number of persons in the United States and Canada over 65 years of age who are edentulous and in need of complete dentures appears to be decreasing as a percent of the total population (by the year 2030), but the total number of patients needing these services will be almost the same as it is today. Administering complete denture prosthodontics to geriatric patients will continue to be a formidable part of the general dentistry practice well into the next century despite changing demographics. Careful dental evaluation of the patient through a well-structured examination and care based on sound principles and concepts continues to be the standard that must be provided. A lifetime commitment by the patient to a program of recall and maintenance for continuous monitoring of the dentures and the oral tissues is essential for older adult edentulous patients. We should periodically review these traditional therapies to improve our knowledge.