Lecture 1 - Advanced restorative dentistry – a problem for the elderly? An ethical dilemma

The type of dental restorations taken into old age may have an adverse effect on the quality of life of the elderly. Root caries and dry mouth increase in prevalence with age and may precipitate the breakdown of remaining natural and restored teeth. A lack of early intervention to arrest dental disease may result in life-threatening medical consequences. In older individuals, careful consideration should be given to selecting the most appropriate treatment modality so that adverse situations can be avoided. Complex implant-born structures and precision removable prostheses should probably be avoided for those individuals contemplating entering a care situation. The timing of the provision of complex dentistry therefore poses an ethical dilemma. A “moderate” philosophy is advocated which is the antithesis of the approach that advocates complex dental restoration with the aim of restoring optimal oral function and aesthetics. Advanced restorative dentistry may be applicable in the first six or so decades of life but careful consideration must be given by every ethical dentist to the development of a treatment plan, and an approach to the maintenance of the restored dentition for their elderly patients, which will not disadvantage them in the final stages of their life.

Lecture 2 - Is there a place today for dentures as the treatment of first choice for our technologically sophisticated, but ageing population?

Unfortunately dentures have been abrogated to a position where they are now viewed as an inferior treatment modality. This presentation will consider their modern-day role and provide a refresher course as to what is important in providing successful full dentures and removable partial dentures.