Immediate-loading dental endosteal implants and the elderly patient.

The concept of immediately loading dental implants has the potential of being a viable addition to treatment modalities. The major decision-making challenge in managing depleted dentitions and complete edentulism in an aging society lies in differentiating the treatment outcomes, especially patient-mediated assessments (including economic analyses) of the various prosthodontic options available for older adults. The ability to chew properly is of great importance to maintain a healthy nutrition and improve oral comfort and quality of life, particularly in the elderly years.