Rubens Nazareno Garcia
University of Itajai Valley – Univali
Brazil
Title: Geriatric Dentistry: the challenge of promoting health and quality of life for people
Biography
Biography: Rubens Nazareno Garcia
Abstract
Improving the quality of life in old age will require teeth retention and the need for restorative care. The dental materials are very important in this process. The glass ionomer cements are largely used to restorations Class V without cavity preparation. These materials have biologic compatibility and fluoride release, and increasing use, specially to light-cured cements, also has been made of their anticariogenic properties in treating geriatric patients. Other product has been recently introduced in the market, as the self-adhesive resin cements, which exhibited a favorable bonding capability and mechanical properties, becoming easier and faster the cementation of prosthetic pieces. Regarding to resin composites, there are many possibilities of treating geriatric patients. The recent nanosized materials promote very good polishing, specially important to avoid gingiva problems. The highly aesthetic light-curing restorative composites in gingiva shades were recently introduced in Dentistry. They also can be used in Class V restorations, especially in cases of retreating gingiva as a result of periodontal disease. Also the self-adhering composites, all-in-one products, can represent other possibility of treating people with limited mouth opening, having an easier and faster treatment. There are many materials to treat dentin hypersensitivity that is typically found in patients whose dentin has become exposed by gingival recession, periodontal therapy or loss of tooth enamel due to toothbrush abrasion, erosion or tooth wear. Ideally, the use of new materials and technologies, combined with a suitable reception to the patients, this is the real rule to promote health and happiness to geriatric patients.