Use, Necessity and Preservation of Dental Prostheses in Elderly Residents in Public Long Stay Institutions

USE, NECESSITY AND PRESERVATION OF DENTAL PROSTHESES IN ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF LONG STAY

Abstract

Objective: to know the use, conditions and the need for dentures among elderly residents in public long-stay institutions for the elderly (PNHs) in the city of Recife. Methods: The sample composition of this study, a population of 60 seniors, 47 seniors participated in the sample that met the selection criteria, ie were receptive to participate and at most had cognitive impairment that did not impair the functions of language and memory. Results: Age in the sample of respondents ranged from 52 to 87 years, averaged 65 years of which (34.0%) were males and (66.0%) were female. The study revealed that (70.2%) use prosthesis in the maxillary arch and (48.9%) in the lower arch. Although 72.7% reported the use of different means for oral hygiene, the presence of biofilm was detected in 74.4% of the prostheses. The majority (66.0%) of the elderly in need of prosthesis is the recommended time passed or presented themselves in unsuitable conditions for use. Conclusion: Concluding that the elderly can not understand the plight of the prosthesis and that there is need for greater attention to the oral health of institutionalized elderly and the development of preventive and educational programs for this population.