Medical considerations in the ageing implant patient

Abstract

Throughout adult life, there is a physiological decline in almost all body systems and with a greater proportion of population living to old age, dental practitioners will need to provide operative intervention in more medically complex patients. Dental implants are a common modality for the replacement of missing teeth; however, implant failure and associated disease present complex challenges to clinicians. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to discuss the cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems with respect to diseases affecting patients of an older age which can impact dental implant treatment.