[Dissertations 25 years after date 16. The mutilated dentition].

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Health
• Prosthodontics

Context:

• Mutilated dentition treatment lacks robust scientific evidence.
• Previous research has not established a clear correlation between molar tooth loss and oral function.
• Age and socioeconomic status do not significantly alter tooth loss patterns.

Purpose:

• To investigate the scientific basis for treating mutilated dentitions.
• To determine the correlation between tooth loss and oral function.
• To evaluate the necessity of prosthetic tooth replacement.

Summary:

• Tooth loss increases with age across all socioeconomic classes.
• No significant correlation exists between the number of lost teeth and oral function.
• A weak correlation was found between occluding teeth pairs and subjective chewing ability.
• Prosthetic replacement of posterior teeth is often unnecessary with at least 3 occluding pairs.
• A dentition with at least 20 teeth, including anterior teeth and premolars, is functionally and aesthetically satisfactory.

Impact:

• Challenges the routine prosthetic replacement of posterior teeth in cases with adequate remaining dentition.
• Suggests that a minimum of 20 teeth, including anterior teeth and premolars, ensures satisfactory oral function and aesthetics.
• Provides evidence-based guidelines for treatment decisions in patients with mutilated dentitions.