Edentulism has a series of deleterious consequences for oral and general health. Oral consequences vary from the well known residual ridge resorption to an impaired masticatory function, an unhealthy diet, social disability, and poor oral health quality of life. Overall management of problems encountered in an aging population can seem like a series of objectionable compromises, but adaptation is the hallmark of successful aging, and coping with difficulties is an acceptable part of everyday life. Life at any age does have pleasant surprise and rewards.
