Utilization of Teeth Replacement Service among the Elderly Attending Teaching Hospitals in Lagos; Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Tooth replacement service is generally available in our environment. However; its utilization by the elderly has not been extensively studied. Aim: To determine the utilization of tooth replacement services among the elderly. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 440 patients aged 60 years and above attending the prosthetic out-patient clinics of Lagos University teaching hospital (LUTH) and Lagos state University teaching hospital (LASUTH) from January; 2008 to March; 2010. record books or case records Age; sex; and number of teeth replaced. Results were collated and analyzed using Epi Info 2004. Values were presented as simple percentages. Results: There were 229/440 (52.0) males and 211/440 (48.0) females and were aged 60-90 years with a mean age of 68.9 (6.92). A total number of 4;062 teeth were replaced. Average number of tooth replaced among the patients was 9.45 for LUTH and 8.94 for LASUTH. The maxillary anterior teeth were the most frequently replaced 1422/4062 (35.0) and the least replaced were the mandibular posterior teeth 812/4062 (20.0). The average number of tooth replaced generally increased with age in both sexes. A total of 90 complete maxillary and mandibular dentures were fabricated; while six single arch complete dentures were made. The remaining were partial dentures. Conclusion: The most common age of presentation is 60-65 years. Patients that were 90 years and above appear to utilize teeth replacement facilities in this environment less than those in developed countries. Maxillary anterior teeth were the most frequently replaced