s u m m a r y Natural dentitions of elderly people are often reduced and the remaining teeth are heavily restored. It is unknown whether they are satisfied or dissatisfied w ith this situation. To get more insight into this phenom enon 320 dentate non-institutionalized elderly subjects were clinically examined and interviewed by means of a questionnaire. Analysis of the data show ed that only 13% of the subjects had at to the left first molar; 50% had less than four occlusal units, 39% of the subjects were wearing a removable
This study covers the characteristics of reduced dentitions in a population of elderly people. The sample consisted of 329 independently living individuals between 55 and 75 years of age. They all had one or more natural teeth and were all interviewed and investigated clinically. The findings showed that 13% of the subjects had a natural dentition with at least the first molars; 4-7 natural occlusal units (defined as 'pairs of opposing teeth that support the occlusion') occurred in 37% of the subjects; 1-4 natural occlusal units in 41% and 0 units in 9% (only anterior contacts). A removable partial denture was worn by 39% of the subjects; most of them were acrylic based dentures (61%). The percentages of restored teeth per subject were high. The need for further restorations, however, was low. Periodontal problems were uncommon; 25% of the subjects had one pocket above 5 mm; 8% had severe problems. Poor oral hygiene was present in a quarter of the cases. Most of the subjects (70%) had no pain or noises in the temporomandibular joint. Only 10% of subjects had more than one sign of craniomandibular dysfunction. Most of the subjects (85%) visit their dentist regularly and 65% had their last tooth extraction more than three years ago. A majority mentioned that they have never had problems with their dentition in the past; 50% had had no real toothache for the last five years. However, problems with food-packing were often mentioned. It can be concluded that, although the dentitions of the elderly in this population are often reduced, their dentitions are in general in good condition and few give TMJ problems.
Abstract— Natural dentitions of elderly people are often reduced, remaining teeth heavily restored and removable partial dentures (RPD's) frequently used to replace absent teeth. Lack of knowledge exists on how the elderly experience the comfort of these replacements. To get more insight 320 dentate noninstitutionalized subjects between 55 and 75 yr of age were clinically examined and interviewed by means of a questionnaire. Data showed that only 13% of the subjects had a complete dentition from the right to the left first molar; 50% had less than four occlusal units. 39% of the subjects was wearing a RPD Analysis showed that subjects with a RPD were in general less satisfied with their dental state than subjects without a partial denture. However, when the RPD added occlusal units to the dentition, satisfaction increased significantly. No differences in satisfaction were found between subjects with a metal frame prosthesis and an acrylic denture, nor between tooth‐bounded and distal extension prostheses. The conclusion can be drawn that the indication for a RPD should be limited in elderly people, unless the RPD increased the number of the occlusal units.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.