MANAGEMENT OF GERIATRIC AND HANDICAPPED PATIENTS IN ENDODONTICS

Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that focuses on health promotion, prevention, and treatment of disease and disability in later life. Management of the geriatric patient requires special considerations for age-related physiological changes complications of chronic conditions, increased incidence of physical or mental disabilities, support systems, and financial limitations. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is advised consisting of all dental specialties, experts in geriatrics, psychiatry, and social services with their rehabilitation teamOral and dental anomalies are a frequent accompaniment of mentally handicapped, which intern leads to improper functioning of the stomatognathic complex. They have poor oral health as compared to the general population. The oral health of the individuals with MR is associated with severity, etiology, residential arrangements, and age of the individual. In-depth theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and behavioral management are the keys to the successful management of these patients.