PATTERN OF TOOTH LOSS IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS

Abstract

In geriatric patients tooth loss is a main indicator of oral health status. Periodontal diseases of dental caries are responsible for tooth loss in geriatric patients. The aim of the study is to determine the pattern of tooth loss in geriatric patients. Total of 86,000 case sheets of patients who visited a Private Dental Hospital between June 2019 and March 2020 were reviewed and 1,787 patients who were >65 years were shortlisted. Data pertaining to tooth loss were collected and statistically analysed. 18.34% of the patients were found with missing right maxillary 3rd molar, 17.11% with right mandibular 3rd molar and 18.07% left maxillary 3rd molar, 17.21% with left mandibular 1st molar. The right and left maxillary anteriors had an incidence of 14.46%, maxillary posteriors at 37.59%, mandibular anteriors at 12.37% and mandibular posteriors 35.57%. Chi square shows p>0.05; Non significant association. From the study we could observe that the commonly missing tooth was the right maxillary 3rd molar and more of the maxillary posteriors were most prone to tooth loss followed by mandibular posteriors, maxillary anteriors and then mandibular anterior teeth. It was also seen that the males were more prone to tooth loss. However we did not observe any association between the gender of the patients and region of missing teeth.