USE AND NECESSITY OF PROSTHESIS IN THE ELDERLY: REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE QUALITY

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of the oral condition on the life quality of non-institutionalized aged people supported by the Centro de Capacitação do Idoso – Family Health Program of the district of Castelo Branco I, Sanitary District V, João Pessoa, PB. Material and Methods: A clinical examination was conducted in 24 elderly people evaluating use and necessity of prosthesis in accordance to the SB Brazil 2000, oral self-perception through GOHAI, prosthesis hygiene and economic classification according to ABEP. Data were submitted to Fischer and Mann Whitney U test with a significance level of 5% (pdˆ0.05). Results: The average age was 73.4 years old (±5.9). The use of prosthesis was more frequent in the upper arch. The use of total prosthesis was higher in number than the use of removable prosthesis in both arches. There was no significant statistical difference between the use and necessity of prosthesis and GOHAI in its dimensions, except for the use of upper prosthesis associated to pain/discomfort (p=0.015). Most of the elderly showed a moderate and high self-perception to their oral health measured by GOHAI. 41.7% cleaned their prosthesis twice a day. Conclusion: Most of the elderly showed moderate and high self-perception regarding their oral health, a significant number had upper prosthesis and were satisfied in the three dimensions: functional, psychological and related to pain. DESCRIPTORS Aged. Dental Prosthesis. Quality of Life