Stomatologie gériatrique

The practice of stomatology and maxillo-facial surgery in the elderly has become more frequent, in relation with lengthened life expectancy. The management of older patients induces frequent and constraining problems due to the repercussions of ageing on orofacial tissues; these repercussions consist of various intricate diseases that more or less directly interfere with the general disease. Besides, “normal senescence” may not or hardly be distinguished from a pathological state. The frailty of older patients, their uncertain participation, the constraints and risks related to their poly-medication constitute a wide range of problems in their therapeutic management. The risk of under- or over-consumption of drugs is also to be considered, particularly in cutaneous or oral cancerology. Lastly, it should be reminded that in most cases, age-related functional and aesthetic disorders are the main reason for seeking treatment. Consequently, all concerned practitioners (maxillo-facial surgeon, stomatologist, odontologist) have to aim the preservation of these patient's quality of life.