ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The increase in implant patients is expected to give rise to a new problem: the changing general health status of those who have had implants placed. PURPOSE: The aim of this present study was to find out the needs of and proper measures for elderly implant patients in long-term care facilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent by mail to 1,591 long-term care health facilities, daycare services for people with dementia, and private nursing homes for the elderly in the Osaka area, which is in the middle area of Japan, in order to extract patients with cerebrovascular disease or dementia who were possibly at risk of inadequate oral self-care, as well as patients with implants. RESULTS: Approximately half of all facilities responded that they cannot recognize implants, and many facilities did not know anything about oral care for implant patients. Residents with implants were reported at 19% of all facilities. Also, the facilities pointed out problems with implants relating to the difference in oral care between implants and natural teeth. CONCLUSIONS: There are people with implants in some 20% of caregiving facilities, and there is a low level of understanding regarding implants and their care among nurses and care providers who are providing daily oral care.
