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J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 132, No 11, 1525-1530. © 2001 American Dental Association

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JADA Continuing Education

Report of a survey

Background. Aging people experience a number of changes in the root canal systems of teeth that, while they are normal, have the potential to compromise the pulp’s response to injury.

Methods. To better understand the dental perspective on these changes, the authors mailed a questionnaire to diplomates of the American Board of Endodontics. The questions dealt with the respondents’ experiences, ages of their patient population and their perception of root canal changes in aging patients. The authors analyzed the data in terms of number of diplomates providing a response and stratified them on the basis of the respondents’ number of years in practice.

Results. Respondents indicated that the number of patients aged 65 years and older in their practices is increasing. Virtually all of the diplomates agreed that the root canal gets smaller with age, but that this diminution does not contribute to the failure of treatment of affected teeth. Most respondents indicated that aging patients’ teeth are in poorer condition than those of younger patients.

Conclusions. As the U.S. population ages, clinicians need to have a better understanding of the physiological changes occurring in older patients’ teeth that may influence the treatment required to help patients retain their natural dentition. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of aging on dental disease and treatment modalities.

Clinical Implications. Recognition of changes in the dentition of aging patients will lead to more successful treatment, retention of functional natural dentition and better maintenance of general health.

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