Geriatric patient - psychological and emotional considerations during dental treatment

The world's population is ageing rapidly with an increase in the age related diseases and disabilities. With the increase in the life span, chronic diseases play a significant role and the dental diseases are the most prevalent chronic condition. Diagnosis and treatment planning for the elderly must include considerations of the biological, psychological, social and economic status of the patient in addition to the obvious dental problems. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the psychological and emotional factors involved in the dental treatment and the methods to develop a right dental attitude. Authorities in dental medicine have long recognized a relationship between psychology and dentistry and have attempted to describe the factors that require consideration during the dental therapy. The theoretical approaches are now replaced by practical approach of patient management. The article reviews the literature regarding the etiology for the development of psychological and emotional disturbances, factors that influence the patient's response and methods to develop the right dental attitude. The dentist is concerned with the emotional and psychological state of the patient, for it is an essential component of treatment and the success of the treatment often depends on the emotional state of the patient. It is thus important for the dentist to be aware of practical- problem- oriented approach that helps in patient management and in maintaining and improving dental health as part of total healthcare services available to the elderly.