Lieve Van Zeghbroeck1. 1. Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University Hospital of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium. lieve.vanzeghbroeck@ugent.be
Abstract
BACKGROUND: When elderly develop signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease they lose their independence and neglect dental hygiene. Dentists are increasingly confronted by seniors who are in need but who have limited access to dental care. Caretakers and family are also often confronted with behaviour problems besides the dental problems. OBJECTIVE: To report the importance of shorter and lower impact treatment for seniors when caretakers and family are confronted with a behavioural problem in addition to the dental problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case report, the oral management of a patient with Alzheimer's disease was described using chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology while constructing a bonded bridge. DISCUSSION: The case report emphasises the importance of interaction with the patient and added a treatment method for patients with limited cognitive skills who become easily agitated or aggressive. CONCLUSION: The fabrication of a full ceramic bonded bridge utilising the Cerec 3D chairside CAD/CAM technology in an Alzheimer patient has been shown to be a feasible, precise, aesthetic and durable solution. It added a technique for intervening with patients with limited tolerance for dental procedures, which improves the quality of life of both patient and family.
BACKGROUND: When elderly develop signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease they lose their independence and neglect dental hygiene. Dentists are increasingly confronted by seniors who are in need but who have limited access to dental care. Caretakers and family are also often confronted with behaviour problems besides the dental problems. OBJECTIVE: To report the importance of shorter and lower impact treatment for seniors when caretakers and family are confronted with a behavioural problem in addition to the dental problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case report, the oral management of a patient with Alzheimer's disease was described using chairside computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology while constructing a bonded bridge. DISCUSSION: The case report emphasises the importance of interaction with the patient and added a treatment method for patients with limited cognitive skills who become easily agitated or aggressive. CONCLUSION: The fabrication of a full ceramic bonded bridge utilising the Cerec 3D chairside CAD/CAM technology in an Alzheimerpatient has been shown to be a feasible, precise, aesthetic and durable solution. It added a technique for intervening with patients with limited tolerance for dental procedures, which improves the quality of life of both patient and family.