Table 4 Levels of dental treatment
From: Comprehensive geriatric assessment for oral care in older adults: a focus group study
Level of Treatment | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Rehabilitative Treatment | Comprehensive dental interventions aimed at restoring oral health, function, and aesthetics. These procedures address advanced oral diseases, structural damage, and tooth loss to achieve full dental rehabilitation. | Surgical periodontal treatment, oral surgery, endodontic therapy, restorative procedures (e.g., fillings, crowns), prosthetic treatments (e.g., dentures, bridges, implants). |
Limited Treatment | Conservative dental procedures designed to maintain oral health and function through minimally invasive techniques. These treatments focus on preserving existing structures and preventing disease progression. | Non-surgical periodontal therapy (e.g., scaling and root planing), repair of defective restorations, minor occlusal adjustments. |
Urgent Treatment | Immediate dental care provided to manage acute pain, infection, or trauma. These procedures focus on stabilizing the patient’s condition and preventing further complications. | Emergency tooth extractions, caries management (e.g., temporary fillings), drainage of dental abscesses, prescription of antibiotics or analgesics. |
No Treatment | A preventive approach that excludes active dental procedures, focusing instead on daily oral hygiene maintenance and routine monitoring. Suitable for individuals without immediate treatment needs. | No professional dental interventions, emphasis on personal oral hygiene practices (e.g., brushing, flossing), routine dental check-ups for assessment. |