Abstract
Japan faces an unprecedented super-aged society, making extending healthy life expectancyan urgent priority. In recent years, the concept of “oral frailty” has gained traction, demonstratingthat declining oral function precedes systemic frailty. In this context, prosthetic interventions,such as maintaining occlusal support, are considered crucial for preventing oral frailty. Thispaper organizes the primary, secondary, and tertiary impairments associated with tooth loss.It discusses the significance of prosthetic treatment in breaking the negative cycle, from theperspective of preserving remaining tissue. Current evidence indicates that stabilizing occlusalsupport through prosthodontics does more than simply restore masticatory force; it preservesswallowing mechanics and prevents the onset of oral frailty. By synthesizing these findings, thispaper redefines the essential role of the dentist in promoting longevity within modern society.
