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Satisfaction with reduced dentitions in elderly people
J H Meeuwissen1, M A van Waas, R Meeuwissen
1Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Most elderly individuals have reduced natural dentitions, yet 90% report satisfaction with their dental state and chewing ability. Satisfaction decreases with fewer teeth or partial dentures.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Oral Health
- Dental Prosthetics
Background:
- Elderly natural dentitions are often reduced and heavily restored.
- Patient satisfaction with reduced dentition is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the satisfaction levels of elderly individuals with their dental status.
- To explore factors influencing satisfaction in older adults with reduced dentition.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination and questionnaire-based interviews were conducted.
- 320 dentate, non-institutionalized elderly subjects participated.
- Data analyzed for dentition status, denture use, chewing ability, and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Only 13% had a complete molar-to-molar dentition; 50% had fewer than four occlusal units.
- 39% wore removable partial dentures.
- 90% were satisfied with their dental state and 97% reported good chewing ability.
- Satisfaction decreased with reduced occlusal units or partial denture use, despite frequent dental discomforts (91%).
Conclusions:
- Despite reduced natural dentitions, elderly individuals generally report high satisfaction with their oral health.
- Factors like occlusal unit count and removable partial denture presence significantly impact satisfaction levels.