Condition of prosthetic constructions and subjective needs for replacing missing teeth in a Finnish adult population

Prosthetic treatment needs were studied in a sample of 1600 adults distributed equally into cohorts aged 25, 35, 50 and 65 years. A total of 1275 subjects (80%) were clinically examined with respect to the condition and age of existing prosthetic constructions, subjective needs for replacing missing teeth and the frequency of oral mucosal lesions associated with the wearing of dentures. Approximately half of the removable dentures (56%) were objectively non-acceptable and one-third (36%) subjectively so. One in four of those subjects with missing anterior teeth and premolars, or with 0-2 remaining mandibular molars and one in five of those with 0-2 remaining maxillary molars expressed a need to have one or more of the missing teeth replaced. The replacement needs were slightly greater for missing anterior teeth and premolars than for molars. Subjective needs for replacing missing teeth were greatest at the age of 50 years. The condition of removable dentures according to objective assessment was poorest among those aged 65 years. A high frequency of mucosal lesions associated with old and non-acceptable removable dentures was observed.