Prosthodontic Status Research Articles

Assessment of Prosthodontic Status and Treatment Needs of Patients Visiting Dental Institutions of Punjab.

This study was conducted to assess the prosthodontic status and treatment needs of patients visiting dental institutions of a known population. This study comprised a total of 100 participants. The research excluded patients who did not have any prosthodontic appliances or who had dental crowns (no missing teeth). The subjects involved in the study had dental bridges, dentures, removable partial dentures, or a combination of the two. Subjects in the research were asked to tell their education, oral hygiene routines, and dentist visit behaviors. The data collected was utilized to determine the association between the variables and prosthodontics status. A thorough clinical examination of these subjects was done. The data had been analyzed using the statistical program SPSS 13. The analyses were carried out using Chi-square tests and the appropriate C-coefficient. In this study, there were 50 males and 50 females. Out of 100 subjects, 45 subjects were found to be completely edentulous without any prosthodontic appliance. Complete dentures were noticed in 11 subjects, removable dentures in 29 subjects, and fixed appliances in 15 subjects. This survey presented that most of the subjects were completely edentulous without any prosthetic appliance. Examination of such subjects must be done on a regular basis and an appropriate treatment plan must be constructed for the well-being of these patients.

An Assessment of the Prosthodontic Status of People Visiting a Dental Clinic in a South Indian City

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases among elderly can directly affect their Quality of Life. AIM: To assess the prosthodontic status of people visiting a dental clinic in a south Indian city. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study is an attempt to study the prosthodontic status of people attending a private clinic in Delhi from August to November 2021. Data was collected with the help of WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2004) and survey was conducted as per guidelines of American Dental Association for Type III examination. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23.0. RESULTS: Out of 384 study subjects, 30.2% were completely dentulous, 17.8% were completely edentulous and rest were partially edentulous for the maxillary arch. While 14.8% were completely dentulous, 12.4% were completely edentulous and 72.8% were partially edentulous for the mandibular arch. Prosthodontic status for both the maxillary and mandibular arches. CONCLUSION: The study population had a poor prosthodontics status. High cost of prosthetic treatment, lack of availability of skilled healthcare professionals, poor infrastructure and the general attitude of the population towards replacement of missing teeth are the major hindrances in the way of healthcare delivery system in our country. This has lead to the poor prosthodontic status in general population.

An Observational Study on Oral Health and Quality of Life for RPD Wearers in the N-E Region of Romania.

There is a lack of information regarding the oral health of the elderly population in Romania; only a few articles have been published about their edentulism, and there are no official data regarding the oral health, OHRQoL, and prosthodontic status of this population. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the essential functional qualities of removable partial dentures (RPD) and participants’ oral-health-related wellbeing among an edentulous population from the N-E region in Romania using the OHIP-5-questionnaire. In total, 546 patients from Gr. T. Popa Iasi University were enrolled after following a set of sorting procedures. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney test to determine whether there were significant differences between the various groups of patients. For questions 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the OHIP, the null hypothesis was rejected, as there were statistically significant differences between the three groups. This study was limited to a specific group. However, it can provide an insight into RPD patients’ happiness when treated in an academic environment.

Assessment of oral health status in a Ghanaian\xa0population: rationale, methods, and population characteristics

BackgroundOral health surveys aid in estimating the oral health of a population and provide a projection for future oral health care needs. We report the procedures and rationale of a survey carried out to assess the oral health status and risk factors for oral disease among adults in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana. The objective was to provide prevalence estimates on dental diseases, oral health behaviour and risk factors, and to establish baseline epidemiological data on the population’s oral health for further research.MethodsThis was a population-based cross-sectional study of adults aged 25 years and above. A random, stratified two-stage sampling method was used to select participants from rural and urban communities in three types of districts (Metropolitan, Municipal, Ordinary). A semi- structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, oral health behaviours and risk factors for oral disease. Anthropometric data and a full-mouth clinical examination was carried out including: soft tissue assessment, tooth count, prosthodontic status, dental caries assessment and periodontal assessment.ResultsA total of 729 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 43.9 years (SD 14.6). Majority 425 (61.0%) were females. Though the metropolitan districts had more dental clinics and personnel, along with better health insurance coverage, they had a higher prevalence of missing teeth, retained roots, severe periodontitis and poorer oral health coverage. The findings also show some significant differences in disease prevalence, within the different localities and districts.ConclusionsAvailability and access to oral health services is not the most important determinant of good oral health outcomes in this region. We recommend exploring socio-behavioral and cultural factors as well. This study provides district level data to inform policy and guide further research.

Willingness to Pay for Preventive Dental Care Amongst Older Adults

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were (1) to investigate willingness to pay (WTP) for preventive and curative dental care procedures and (2) to determine the factors that influence older adults’ WTP for dental care. MethodologyOlder, independently living adults from Singapore aged 60 years and older and eligible for government-subsidised dental care were nonrandomly recruited for this study. Data were collected using questionnaires and a clinical examination which recorded details of caries experience, number and distribution of posterior occluding contacts, prosthodontic status, and periodontal status. Using a contingent valuation method, participants were asked to rate WTP in Singapore dollars [SGD$] for 4 aspects of care: dental fillings, dental scaling, dental extraction, and disease prevention advice. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the relationship between the predictor variables associated with WTP for dental fillings, scaling, extraction, and preventive advice. ResultsThe mean value of WTP for a dental filling was SGD$30.23 (SGD$31.05), for scaling was SGD$30.28 (SGD$29.46), for dental extraction was SGD$35.08 (SGD$58.54). In a multivariate model, factors associated with higher WTPfees were as follows: (1) dental filling: age (younger), level of education (higher), and frequency of dental visits (regular); (2) scaling: level of education (higher), agree that dental problems affect overall health, and frequency of dental visits (regular); (3) dental extractions: age (younger), level of education (higher), frequency of dental visits (regular), and prosthodontic status (not wearing); (4) preventive advice: age (younger), gender (male), ethnicity (Chinese), level of education (higher), marital status (married), self-perceived oral health (good), and dental visits (regular). ConclusionsThe findings of our study suggest that older adults are willing to pay most for extraction and least for preventive advice.

Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Prosthetic Status among Institutionalized Elderly from the Bucharest Area: A Pilot Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of elderly in care homes, one of Romania’s most vulnerable social categories, to correlate it to sociodemographic, oral health parameters, and prosthodontic status. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was performed on 58 geriatrics divided into 3 age groups, who were clinically examined and answered the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Very high rates of complete edentulism in the oldest-old subgroup (bimaxillary in 64.3%; mandibular in 64.3%; maxillary in 85.7%), and alarming frequencies in the other subgroups (middle-old and youngest-old), statistically significant differences between age groups being determined. The OHIP-14 mean score was 14.5. Although not statistically significant, females had higher OHIP-14 scores, also middle-old with single maxillary arch, single mandibular arch, and bimaxillary complete edentulism, whether they wore dentures or not, but especially those without dental prosthetic treatment in the maxilla. A worse OHRQoL was also observed in wearers of bimaxillary complete dentures, in correlation with periodontal disease-related edentulism, in those with tertiary education degree, and those who came from rural areas. There were no statistically significant correlations of OHRQoL with age, total number of edentulous spaces or edentulous spaces with no prosthetic treatment. In conclusion, despite poor oral health and prosthetic status of the institutionalized elderly around Bucharest, the impact on their wellbeing is comparatively moderate.

Functional dentition and prosthodontic status in an Indigenous population from the South of Brazil

Aim: to analyze the prevalence of different definitions of functional dentition, prosthodontic status and associated factors, in an indigenous population from Brazil. Methods: a cross-sectional oral health survey was conducted with Indigenous adults aged 35-44 years. A single examiner collected clinical data through oral examinations and sociodemographic data using a structured questionnaire. Dentitions were classified according to four classification systems of functional dentition: FDWHO (> 20 teeth), FDGROUP2 (> 10 teeth in each arch), FDGROUP3 (all anterior teeth), and FDGROUP4 (> 10 teeth in each arch, all anterior teeth, and sufficient posterior region). Use and need of prosthodontics was also evaluated. Uni and multivariate analysis were conducted at the level of significance of 5%. Results: Indigenous adults presented considerably low frequencies of prosthodontic use and functional dentition, independently of the definition analyzed. Substantial differences of prevalence rates were observed among the four definitions of functional dentition, ranging from 48.62% to 11.93%. Age and municipality were associated with use of dental prosthesis and prosthodontic need, respectively. Significant discrepancies in functional dentition rates were observed regarding sex and time of the last dental appointment. Conclusions: Indigenous adults are severely affected by tooth loss and, consequently, by low frequencies of functional dentition. The scenario is worsened by the elevated need of the population for prosthodontics. The phenomenon was associated with age, sex, access to specialized dental care and time of the last dental visit.

Evaluating the Prosthodontic Status of People Visiting a Dental Clinic in New Delhi, India

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases place a huge economic and social burden on the population in terms of pain, suffering and lost productivity, as well as expenditure on treatment and prevention. The elderly people are worst affected by tooth loss as edentulism further leads to deterioration of their existing frail general health.
 MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present study is an attempt to study the prosthodontic status of people attending a private clinic in Delhi from April to December 2018. Data was collected with the help of WHO Oral Health Assessment Form (2004) and survey was conducted as per guidelines of American Dental Association for Type III examination. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20.0.
 RESULTS: Out of 204 study subjects, 30.4% were completely dentulous, 7.4% were completely edentulous and rest were partially edentulous for the maxillary arch. While 34.8% were completely dentulous, 14.7% were completely edentulous and 50.5% were partially edentulous for the mandibular arch. Prosthodontic status for both the maxillary and mandibular arch was very poor with 79.4% and 85.3% individuals being devoid of any kind of prosthesis in the maxillary and mandibular arch respectively.
 CONCLUSION: The population of Delhi has a poor prosthodontics status. High cost of prosthetic treatment, lack of availability of skilled healthcare professionals, poor infrastructure and the general attitude of the population towards replacement of missing teeth are the major hindrances in the way of healthcare delivery system in our country. This has lead to the poor prosthodontic status in general population.

The effect of age and prosthodontic status on the clinical and electromyographic assessment of the interocclusal rest space

Statement of problemClinicians are aware that the vertical dimension of occlusion and the interocclusal rest space (IRS) are 2 major factors that require consideration in the management of patients needing oral reconstructive procedures. However, how the dimensions vary with age and prosthetic status is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to analyze the IRS in dentate, partially edentulous, and completely edentulous participants using both conventional and electromyographic (EMG)-based methods. The effect of age and prosthodontic status on the clinical and EMG assessment of the IRS was also explored. Material and methodsThe IRS was determined for a group of dentate (n=31) and partially edentate (n=31) participants, as well as a group of completely edentulous (n=31) participants who had worn dentures for at least 10 years before participating in the study. Clinical and EMG-based assessments (monitoring both elevator and depressor activity) were carried out using 5 different methods: rest, relaxing mask, phonetics, deglutition, and myobalance. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (forward stepwise linear regression models) were performed to compare the effect of age and prosthodontic status on the IRS (α=.05). ResultsThe average IRS values obtained from clinical and EMG-based assessments were significantly greater among dentate participants (2.8 ±0.4 mm and 3.6 ±0.6 mm, respectively) than partially edentulous (1.9 ±0.5 mm and 2.6 ±0.5 mm) and completely edentulous participants (1.4 ±0.5 mm and 2.2 ±0.6 mm). The IRS values obtained using the 5 methods of clinical assessment were statistically smaller than those obtained by EMG. Correlation and regression analyses showed that age and extended edentulism significantly decreased the IRS. For the IRS determined clinically, a decrease was found of 0.01 to 0.02 mm/year, based on the age of the participant. However, this decrease became greater (0.05 to 0.6 mm) where the participant had changed from being dentate to partially edentulous and partially edentulous to completely edentulous. ConclusionsThe IRS becomes significantly smaller in relation to age and denture extension. The rest position in the clinical examination was located cranial to the position used to make the EMG-based measurement. Small but significant differences were found between the IRS values obtained in the clinical and EMG-based methods of assessment in all the prosthetic groups.

Prosthodontics Status and Treatment Needs among the Elderly in the Republic of Macedonia.

BACKGROUND:Oral health care management among the elderly differs from the rest of the population, due to some specific physiological changes and general health status related to age. We know very little about the oral health in elderly in the Republic of Macedonia, because there are only a few articles published about dental health status and edentulism of this population.AIM:The study aimed to evaluate the prosthodontic status of older adults over 65 years in the Republic of Macedonia, about their socio-economic status and individual factors.MATERIAL AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 regions, in rural and urban areas of Macedonia and a representative sample of 432 people (age > 65 years) was examined. Statistical analyses of the data were made by chi-square tests and the corresponding C-coefficient.RESULTS:Only 6% of all participants had not any prosthetic appliance, 9.5% had more than one bridge, 28.7% of examinees had partial dentures, both bridge(s) and partial denture(s) had 10.7% participants, and 45.1% of examinees were toothless. There was a significant difference between patients who visited the dentist more than once a year and those who did not (χ2 = 14.2; df = 4, p < 0.01). From all of the participants, 40.3% used public dental care organisations.CONCLUSIONS:We found a high prevalence of edentulousness among older adults over 65 years in Macedonia. The study confirmed the necessity for establishing healthcare educational programs for the dental treatment of elderly in Macedonia.

The relationship between masticatory ability, age, and dental and prosthodontic status in an institutionalized elderly dentate population in Qingdao, China

ObjectivesTo identify relationships between masticatory ability and age, and dental and prosthodontic status amongst an institutionalized elderly dentate population in China.Materials and methodsA sample of 512 elders living in eight nursing homes in Qingdao was categorized based on a hierarchical dental functional classification system with and without tooth replacements. Masticatory disability scores (MDSs) were analyzed using multiple regression models with only age, and age and dentition variables for participants having ≥ 10 natural and those having < 10 natural teeth in each jaw.ResultsOverall, associations between MDS and age, number of teeth, and number of teeth replaced by dental prostheses were identified. For participants having ≥ 10 natural teeth in each jaw, no significant associations between MDS and age and dental and prosthodontic status were found. Participants having < 10 natural teeth in each jaw had higher MDS (increasing chewing difficulties) at higher ages. However, when “premolar region sufficient” and “molar region sufficient” were included, MDS was not associated with age, but with these dentition variables. For participants having ≥ 10 teeth including prosthodontically replaced teeth in each jaw, age was the only variable associated with MDS. For participants having < 10 teeth including teeth replaced in each jaw, the significant factor was “premolar region sufficient.” Overall, lower MDS was associated with increasing number of teeth, as well as with increasing number of teeth replaced by dental prostheses.ConclusionsIn this population of institutionalized dentate elderly, masticatory ability was significantly associated with dental and prosthodontic status.Clinical relevanceFor institutionalized elderly, having less than ten natural teeth in each jaw is associated with chewing problems. Most important dentition factor is the presence of three to four premolar pairs. Teeth added by partial removable dental prostheses compensate impaired masticatory ability due to tooth loss for 50% compared to natural teeth.

Relationship Between Prosthodontic Treatment and Nutritional Status: A Review

Pertinent literature search about changes or effects of prosthodontic treatment on nutritional status was performed. The articles were electronically and hand searched in all available journals including research works, reviews, randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. The information were obtained to answer the question whether denture therapy has a role in altering nutritional intake or not. Most articles agreed that the risk of malnutrition is elevated by being edentulous. However, there were contrasting results about improvement of nutrition by providing prosthodontic treatment. Thus, many authors have emphasized the role of nutritional counseling along with denture therapy for the benefits of geriatric patients who undergo the inevitable process of being edentulous.BJHS 2018;3(1)5 : 385 - 389

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Elderly People with Edentulous Jaws in Hafar Al-Batin Region, Saudi Arabia.

Aims and Objectives:The aims of this study were to determine oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among elderly people aged 65 and above years from Hafar Al-Batin area, Saudi Arabia, by utilizing Arabic version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-Ar).Materials and Methods:This was a cross-sectional study undertaken from October 2017 to December 2017. A convenience sampling methodology was employed to select the elderly patients aged ≥65 years attending dental clinics of primary health-care centers in five different regions of the Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. OHRQoL of the participants was measured using the Saudi Arabian version of GOHAI-Ar. The oral examinations performed to record a total number of remaining natural teeth, complete and removable partial dentures, and fixed partial dentures. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.Results:A total of 200 elderly participants (M = 157 and F = 43) having mean age (± standard error [SE]) was 69.26 (±0.34) years, participated in the study. Mean ± SE of GOHAI-Ar was 27.68 ± 0.54, physical function 9.12 ± 0.26, pain and discomfort (6.87 ± 0.18), and psychological discomfort (11.69 ± 0.25). Remaining natural teeth and prosthodontic status significantly correlated with pain and discomfort. The presence of prosthesis was found to influence the psychological function. Gender and prosthodontic statuses were found to have significant correlation with OHRQoL.Conclusion:Poor OHRQoL among elderly from Hafar Al-Batin city was found, and presence dental prosthesis showed a positive impact on OHRQoL.

Oral health-related quality of life and associated factors in a care-dependent and a care-independent older population

ObjectivesTo examine relationships between oral health (OH) factors and general health (GH) factors (including physical, mental, and social health domains), and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in a care-independent and a care-dependent older population. MethodsCare-independent participants (n=109) were recruited from the Nijmegen dental school; care-dependent participants (n=126) from residential aged care facilities. Data collected included: OHRQoL (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)), age, gender, socioeconomic status, number of teeth and occluding pairs, presence of carious teeth, presence of removable dental prostheses, clinically assessed treatment need (CTN), self-reported GH, and, only for care-dependent participants: care-dependency level and health domain variables: physical, mental (SF-12: Physical and Mental Component Summary scores), and social (ENRICHD social support index). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations with GOHAI scores. ResultsMean GOHAI scores of care-independent (51.6±7.4) and care-dependent participants (52.1±6.7) did not differ significantly despite considerably worse OH status of the latter. Regression models revealed significant (p≤0.05) associations between GOHAI scores and age, prosthodontic status, and CTN in care-independent participants (R2=0.19) and only with CTN in care-dependent participants. (R2=0.09). Self-reported GH was not significantly associated with GOHAI; when substituted by the health domain variables, only social support was significantly associated with GOHAI scores. ConclusionsGOHAI outcomes are associated with different variables in care-independent and care-dependent older subjects. In care-dependent subjects, GOHAI outcomes are more strongly related to social support than to OH factors or other GH factors. Clinical significanceOHRQoL outcomes should not be compared across care-dependent and care-independent populations without careful interpretation of these outcomes against specific factors that distinguish such populations, like health factors and living environment.

Validation of a Dutch version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI-NL) in care-dependent and care-independent older people.

BackgroundThe GOHAI is a frequently used instrument to measure oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adults, in particular older people. The aim of this study was to translate the original English version of the GOHAI into a Dutch version (GOHAI-NL), and to test the validity and reliability of the GOHAI-NL in care-independent and care-dependent older people.MethodsThe GOHAI questionnaire was translated into Dutch, discussed by an expert panel, back-translated to the original, pilot-tested and assessed for cognitive and conceptual equivalence. The resulting GOHAI-NL was tested in a groups of care-independent (Group A, n = 109, mean age 73.1 ± 5.4 years) and care-dependent (Group B, n = 118, mean age 85.6 ± 7.0. years) cognitively alert people of 65 years and over. Psychometric properties including reliability (internal consistency, item-total, item-dimension, dimension-total, inter-item correlation, and test-retest stability), and validity (convergent, discriminant, known-group), and floor and ceiling effects were assessed.ResultsInternal consistency was confirmed by Cronbach’s alphas of 0.86 (group A) and 0.80 (group B). Item-total score correlations were between 0.4 and 0.7 except for item 3 in group A (0.34) and B (0.08) and for item 12 in group A (0.20). Item-dimension and dimension-total correlations were between 0.30 and 0.78 and around 0.7 respectively for the dimensions ‘physical functioning’ and ‘psychosocial functioning’, but lower for the dimension ‘pain and discomfort’ with item-dimension correlations between 0.13 and 0.44. Average inter-item correlations were 0.34 ± 0.11 (group A) and 0.33 ± 0.08 (group B). Test-retest correlation of the total score (GOHAI-ADD) was 0.88 in group A (ICCs: 0.62 - 0.88) and 0.93 in group B (ICCs: 0.64 – 0.91). Significant correlations in the expected direction were found between GOHAI and most oral health-related variables except for presence of caries in group A, and perceived general health, prosthodontic status and number of natural teeth in group B. No floor or ceiling effects were detected at GOHAI-ADD level; however ceiling effects did occur at dimension level.ConclusionThe GOHAI-NL has satisfactory reliability and validity and can be used to measure OHRQoL in Dutch care-dependent and care-independent older people.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12877-016-0227-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Fifth German Oral Health Study (Fünfte Deutsche Mundgesundheitsstudie, DMS V) - rationale, design, and methods.

BackgroundOral diseases rank among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in modern societies. In Germany, oral epidemiological data show that both dental caries and periodontal diseases are highly prevalent, though significant improvements in oral health has been taking in the population within the last decades, particularly in children. It is, therefore, the aim of the Fifth German Oral Health Study (DMS V) to actualize the data on current oral health status and to gather information on oral health behavior and risk factors. In addition to current oral health monitoring, the study will also permit conclusions about trends in the development of oral health in Germany between 1989 and 2014.Methods/DesignDMS V is a cross-sectional, multi-center, nationwide representative, socio-epidemiological study to investigate the oral health status und behavior of the German resident population in four age cohorts. Study participants are children (12-year-olds), adults (35- to 44-year-olds), young olds (65- to 74-year-olds), and old olds (75- to 100-year-olds) who are drawn from local residents’ registration offices. Social-science investigation parameters concern subjective perceptions and attitudes regarding oral health and nutrition, sense of coherence, and socio-demographic data. Clinical oral parameters are tooth loss, caries and periodontitis, prosthodontic status, further developmental and acquired dental hard tissue and mucosal lesions. To ensure reproducibility, the dental investigators are trained and calibrated by experts and multiple reliability checks are performed throughout the field phase. Statistical analyses are calculated according to a detailed statistical analysis plan.DiscussionThe DMS studies first performed in 1989, 1992 and repeated in 1997 and 2005 are the only cross-sectional oral health studies conducted in Germany on a population-based national representative level. Updated prevalence and trend analyses of key oral diseases are, therefore, of major epidemiological and health services research interest.Trial registrationGerman Health Services Research Data Bank VfD_DMSV_13_002152

Relationship between prosthodontic status and nutritional intake in the elderly in Korea: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES IV)

Many health issues have been reported to be associated with poor nutritional status. We sought to examine the association between nutritional intake and oral health status in elderly people. The association between perceived disability in mastication and prosthodontic status was analysed using multiple logistic regression. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse the association between prosthodontic status and nutritional intake. The elderly subjects with partial or full dentures reported chewing difficulties 1.62-fold more frequently (95% CI: 1.06-2.49) than those with natural teeth or a fixed prosthesis after adjusting for gender, TMD (temporomandibular disorder), household income and education level. Additionally, daily nutritional intakes of energy, protein, fat, ash, calcium, phosphorus and thiamine were decreased significantly in elderly with partial or full dentures compared with those with no prosthesis or with a fixed prosthesis (P < 0.05). Our findings underline oral health status and perceived disability in mastication are associated with dietary imbalances in the elderly. We suggest that the evaluation of patients' nutritional status should be considered as a part of an overall plan for dental hygiene care.

Clinical interpretation of a masticatory normative indicator analysis of masticatory function in subjects with different occlusal and prosthodontic status

ObjectivesTo analyse the masticatory function of subjects characterised by different occlusal and prosthodontic status. Using Optosil® as a test food, the masticatory normative indicator (MNIOPT) was used to differentiate between sufficient (‘normal’) and impaired masticatory function. MethodsOutcomes of occlusal force and masticatory tests were aggregated from three earlier studies dealing with four denture groups and three natural dentition groups. The four denture groups had a complete removable dental prosthesis in the upper jaw, and displayed one of the four following lower jaw prosthodontic rehabilitations: (i) complete removable dental prosthesis on a low mandible; (ii) complete removable dental prosthesis on a higher mandible; (iii) overdenture on natural roots; and (iv) overdenture on dental implants. The three natural dentition groups were: (i) shortened dental arch; (ii) complete dentition in older participants, and (iii) complete dentition in younger participants. All participants were women. They performed the same tests twice, and outcomes were averaged. ResultsA MNIOPT value of 3.68mm was determined from the participants with complete natural dentitions. Applying the MNIOPT to the participants in the denture groups pointed at a considerable chance for impaired masticatory function, except for participants in the overdenture –implants group. The four denture groups compensated for reduced masticatory efficiency by increased number of masticatory cycles and prolonged mastication time until ‘swallowing’. Nevertheless, they also ‘swallowed’ larger particles compared to the complete dentition group. Clinical significanceFor a given patient or for a group of subjects with specific dental conditions, MNI enables to discriminate between a sufficient (‘normal’) and an impaired masticatory function.

Prosthodontic status and needs of elderly institutionalized residents in Mangalore: A prospective study

The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of Kennedy's classification, status of existing prosthodontic appliances if any, awareness of the subjects regarding various treatment options, and treatment needs in a group of elderly institutionalized residents. The subjects were selected from various old age homes present in Mangalore city, with ages ranging from 60 to 80 years. The subjects were interviewed and examined by a single trained examiner and findings were recorded on a clinical case history report sheet. Kennedy's class I was most prevalent and class IV the least. Among the subjects examined, only 12.4% were wearing prosthesis. Based on the Nevalainen's index and Karslon's index, most of the prosthodontic appliances were found to be in poor condition. 86% of the subjects were in need of prosthodontic treatment. 75% of the subjects interviewed were unaware of the treatment options available. The elderly patients living in institutions do not achieve a deserving and satisfactory oral health care. The oral care assistance in institutionalized elderly patients has been an unfulfilled service.

Factors associated with tooth loss and prosthodontic status among Sudanese adults

A study was conducted to determine the degree of tooth loss, factors influencing tooth loss, and the extent of prosthodontic rehabilitation in Sudanese adults (≥ 16 years old) attending outpatient clinics in Khartoum State. Pearson and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationships between tooth loss and specific characteristics determined through interviews and clinical examinations. The mean number of missing teeth was 3.6 (SD, 4.9) and the prevalence of edentulism was 0.1%. The prevalence of tooth loss (missing at least one tooth) was 78%; 66.9% of tooth loss was due to caries, and 11.2% was attributable to other reasons. Prosthetic replacement of missing teeth was evident in 3%, whereas a need for prosthetic replacement was evident in 57%. Having < 20 teeth was associated with age, gender, and socioeconomic status; tooth loss due to caries was associated with age, tribe, frequency of tooth-brushing, and a low rate of dental consultation. Tooth loss due to other reasons was associated with age, tribe, education, periodontal pocketing, tobacco use, tooth wear, and prosthetic status. The results of the present study indicated that the major cause of tooth loss was dental caries, thus emphasizing the importance of a public prevention-based healthcare program. Replacement of missing teeth was uncommon in the study subjects, which may reflect lack of access to this type of oral healthcare.