Epidemiological Survey on Tooth Loss and Prosthodontic Treatment

Abstract

An epidemiological survey on tooth loss and prosthodontic treatment in 1, 518 industrial employees was performed. The results were as follows:
1. The periodontal conditions became worse with increase of age, especially the severity of periodontitis increased in the 45 years or more age group (p<0.0001).
2. The prevalence of periodontitis was about 70% in the group having 1-4 teeth loss, and the severity thereof progressed in the groups whose teeth loss was more than 10 (p<0.0001).
3. The prevalence of advanced periodontitis was lower in the participants replaced all their edentulous areas with prosthesis than that in the participants who were not (p<0.0001), and mean numbers of decayed and mobile teeth were also lower in the former (p<0.0001).
4. In order to retain a large number of teeth and to maintain good periodontal conditions in elderly subjects, it is suggested that
1) by the first half of the forth decade or while tooth loss is less than 10, they must undergo complete dental treatment and be motivated for oral hygiene,
2) edentulous area has to be replaced with a prosthesis, and
3) the prosthesis could direct their attention to oral hygiene and motivate them to personal care.