Prosthodontic Approach to the Sufferers from the Disaster

Considerations from Prosthodontic Treatments and Questionnaires Obtained after the Strong Earthquake in the Southwest Area of Hokkaido

Abstract

A strong earthquake occurred in the southwest area of Hokkaido on July 12, in 1993. Immediately after the earthquake, Okushiri Island, which is near the seismic center, was seriously damaged by a seismic sea wave and a large fire. Edentulous and partially edentulous patients who lost their dentures during the emergency evacuation were treated. Information through questionnaires about dental problems were obtained at the time of the disaster.
The results were as follows:
1. Eating was the most serious problem for persons who lost their dentures.
2. The menu and cooking methods of emergency relief foods were not considered suitable for persons who wore dentures and/or lost their dentures.
3. The results of questionnaires proved that the general public has little knowledge about dentures and/or denture wearers.
4. At the time of a disaster dentists must join as a member of the medical relief team to relieve dental problems or to secure masticatory function when long-term evacuation is predicted.
5. By 3-month follow-up, the dentures constructed and inserted by our team were found to be functioning satisfactorally and our prosthodontic approach was confirmed to be useful.