PATTERNS OF DENTAL IMPLANT UTILIZATION AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION
Abstract
As the global population ages, the demand for dental implant therapy among the elderly has risen significantly. This study explores the patterns of dental implant utilization and clinical outcomes among elderly patients in a Nigerian tertiary health institution. Aging brings about biological and physiological changes in the oral environment, leading to tooth loss and periodontal diseases. Dental implants have emerged as a viable treatment option for geriatric patients, but they come with unique challenges.
The challenges of providing dental implants to the elderly in developing economies are multifaceted. Firstly, advancing age can impact healing times, bone quality, and local bone conditions, affecting the success of implant procedures. Additionally, the presence of chronic systemic diseases further complicates treatment planning. The extended treatment duration and multiple appointments required for implant therapy may pose logistical challenges for older patients, particularly in a developing country context where financial constraints and dependence on caregivers are prevalent.
Moreover, the scarcity of clinical knowledge and expertise in dental implantology in Nigeria, coupled with the high cost of treatment and limited access to advanced technology, present significant barriers to widespread adoption. The study emphasizes that decisions regarding implant placement in geriatric patients should not be solely based on age but should consider a combination of economic, local, and systemic factors.
In conclusion, while challenges exist, implant treatment for elderly patients in developing countries is feasible with careful consideration of these factors. This research sheds light on the complexities of dental implant utilization in the geriatric population and highlights the need for improved education, accessibility, and affordability of implant therapy in developing economies
