ORAL STATUS OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS, AND THEIR DEMAND AND SATISFACTION IN PROSTHODONTIC TREATMENT

노인환자의 구강상태, 치료요구도와 만족도

In this study 240 geriatric patients, aged 60 year and over were evaluated using a questionnaire and oral examination for their oral status, demand and satisfaction of prosthodontic treatment. The followings are the findings : 1. The single main complaint was regarding from the existing removable prosthesis, When the complaints were categorized into larger groups, complaints regarding existing prosthesis were 32% and followed by 30% in caries and endodontic problems. 2. Approximately half of the geriatric patients had 21 or more remaining dentition. This number however diminished with increase in age of the surveyed patient. 3. According to the result from questionnaire, 48% of patients wearing removable prosthesis and 43% with fixed prosthesis were not satisfied with existing prosthesis. Thirty-seven percentages of patients were not satisfied with aesthetics and unable to chew food properly. 4. Seventy-seven percentages of patients requested for new prosthesis and the majority of these patients had complaints of difficulties in chewing and discomfort. 5. Thirty-nine percentages of patients were wearing removable prosthesis. More complete dentures were found on maxilla and partial dentures on mandible.