Patterns of tooth loss in mandible arch - a study conducted at lahore medical and dental college, Lahore

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to report on the prevalence of the patterns and extent of tooth loss in the mandible arch, of patients belonging to a lower socioeconomic group of a rural area of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study using a pro forma for collecting information from the selected population. The study conducted at Prosthodontic Department of Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore over a period extended from March 2002 to March 2003. Data collected from five hundred patients reporting for treatment at Prosthodontic Department and fulfilling the selection criteria. The gender distrib ution of the study population was male 48.6% and female 51.4%. The largest population group was above 60 years [26%] and the smallest group of those less than 20 years [2%]. Partial tooth loss in the lower arch was seen in 3 7.6% and complete edentulism seen in 3%. This study shows the rural area of Pakistan has a poor oral health status, according to WHO standards