Dental implants in geriatric patients: A retrospective study of 47 cases

PURPOSE: To determine the overall success of dental implants placed in geriatric patients. PATIENTS: Dental implants were placed in 47 geriatric patients who were 79 or more years of age at the time of the procedure. The study group was composed of 27 men and 20 women, with a median age of 89 years and a range of 79 to 99 years of age at the time of implant surgery. A total of 73 dental implants were placed in the maxilla and 87 dental implants placed in the mandible. All implants were restored with fixed implant-supported prostheses or removable implant-supported prostheses. Eleven of the patients underwent maxillary sinus augmentation with porous hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich plasma. Seven patients had their implants immediately loaded. RESULTS: A total of 160 dental implants were placed in the 47 geriatric patients. One hundred fifty-nine integrated successfully. In the case of the failed implant, the site was grafted and another implant was placed 5 months subsequent to the initial failure. This replacement implant integrated and has been in function for 6 months. The survival rate for dental implants placed in the maxilla was 99% and in the mandible was 100% in our geriatric population. CONCLUSION: Treatment with dental implants can be predictable and safe for the rapidly growing geriatric population. Geriatric patients who are medically stable are suitable candidates for osseointegrated implant surgery, which facilitates oral function, comfort, and quality of life. A review of the 47 geriatric patients treated supports the conclusion that dental implants can be successfully placed and restored with fixed implant-supported or removable implant-supported prostheses.