Needs for prosthetic treatment in Vilnius population at the age over 45 years old.

AIM OF THE STUDY. The aims of the study was to evaluate needs for prosthetic treatment among middle-aged and elderly population in Vilnius, to find out rates of edentulism among Vilnius inhabitants and to ask them about their approach to personal oral hygiene. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This cross-sectional study was approved by Lithuanian Bioethics Committee and carried out by one investigator. Our study was performed in period from 2008 to 2012. We have examined and interviewed 634 patients in the principle of free choice (randomized selection). Quantity of remaining teeth and previous prosthetic treatment was assessed. RESULTS. According to questionnaire previous prosthetic treatment was attached for 204 (43.8%) male and 262 (56.8%) female patients, total 466 (73.5%) of all subjects involved into our research, 168 (26.5%) never had a prosthetic treatment. During examination we found, that 219 (34.5%) of all examined persons were treated with removable prosthesis, 180 (28.4%) treated with fixed prosthesis and for 67 (10.6%) both: fixed and removable kinds of prosthesis were attached. Toothless jaws were found in 26.5% (n = 168) of population. We found 179 (28.2%) edentulous maxillas and 168 (26.5%) mandibles. CONCLUSIONS. The intensity of tooth loss in the middle-aged and eldery population of Vilnius city significantly increases with age. Lower rates of edentulism and an ageing population mean that older people will feature more prominently in dental services. Consolidation in oral health perceptions starts before age 50, suggesting early intervention before that age.