Geriatric endodontics

Increase in the life expectancy and the health care has led to the rising of the elderly numbers in the populations. With the increase in the life span, chronic diseases play a significant role and the dental diseases are the most prevalent chronic condition . The dentist, therefore, has an essential role in maintaining and improving dental health as part of total healthcare services available to the elderly.Root canal therapy is an essential phase of such treatments. Elderly patients may exhibit one or more systemic conditions that require special care, in addition to other changes that occur within the dentition and oral mucosa as a result of aging. These make root canal treatment in elderly patients a great challenge.This article reviews the role of endodontics in helping older adults achieve the goal of retaining healthy teeth and satisfactory oral function into old age.