Tooth loss and the condition of the prosthodontic appliances in a group ofelderly home residents

The study assessed the number of missing teeth, the state of the existing p rosthodontic appliances and the need for their replacement. Dental status a nd anamnesis were taken on a group of 120 elderly home residents by trained examiners. Prosthodontic appliances were evaluated according to the Karlss on's index for the crowns and bridges, and according to the modified Nevala inen et al. index for the evaluation of the complete dentures, as well as t he need for prosthetic treatment. The most persistent teeth in both jaws we re lower canines, while the most commonly missing teeth were lower first mo lars. On average, the crowns were older and in poorer condition than the br idges. Lower complete dentures had better stability but were also less rete ntive in comparison with the upper complete dentures. More than 82% of the subjects were in need of either fixed, removable or combined prosthodontic treatment. The high prevalence of needs for prosthodontic treatment pointed to the requirement for frequent dental check ups within elderly home resid ents in order to better identify and meet their dental needs.