Geriatric Care in Dentistry Restoring Function, Dignity, and Quality of Life

AbstractThe global rise in life expectancy has led to a rapidly expanding geriatric population, presenting dentistry with unique clinical, ethical, and functional challenges. Elderly patients often exhibit complex oral conditions inuenced by systemic diseases, polypharmacy, reduced neuromuscular control, and psychosocial factors. Geriatric dentistry therefore demands a shift from conventional treatment centered approaches to patient centered, function oriented care. Prosthodontics plays a pivotal role in this transition by restoring mastication, speech, esthetics, and overall quality of life. This editorial highlights the importance of comprehensive geriatric dental care, emphasizes prosthodontic considerations in aging patients, and underscores the need for empathy, adaptability, and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing the elderly population.