Management and treatment planning for the elderly edentulous patient.

Approximately 70% of the elderly population in the United Kingdom are edentulous, and their prosthetic status has been recognised as poor. Treatment standards need to be improved, but this is often difficult with the elderly person, who may present with a combination of unfavourable features. It is essential to develop an understanding of the limitations of such patients. Particular attention must be given to specific treatment planning, including modifications to standard design principles, together with the establishment of effective communication.