Treatment planning considerations in older adults.

The older patient often presents with clinically challenging dental problems combined with complex medical, social, psychological, and financial barriers to oral health. Through careful consideration, the clinician can design a thoughtfully sequenced treatment plan that addresses dental conditions and facilitates improved oral health. Several models serve to guide the clinician with this endeavor.

The effect of dental sealants on bacteria levels in caries lesions: a review of the evidence.

Background: Concern about inadvertently sealing over caries often prevents dentists from providing dental sealants. The objective of the authors' review was to examine the effects of sealants on bacteria levels within caries lesions under dental sealants.

Methods: The authors searched electronic databases for comparative studies examining bacteria levels in sealed permanent teeth.