Assessment of dental mobility in elderly and senile patients with various types of dentition defects

Abstract

Objective. To determine the differences in the degree of tooth mobility in elderly patients with various types of dentition defects. To establish and differentiate the degree of tooth mobility in relation to the type of dentition defect in elderly and senile patients. Materials and methods. 500 patients aged 60 to 75 divided into 4 groups were examined. In the first group of patients, terminal defects were revealed (on one or both sides). The second group consisted of patients with included defects (on one or both sides). The third group was presented by combined defects (included and not included). Patients with single standing teeth constituted the fourth group. Patients with complete absence of teeth were excluded from the study. The assessment of dental mobility was carried out using the Periodotest device. All studies on dental mobility were conducted as part of the initial examination of the patient. To obtain objective data, periotestometry was performed 2 times in each patient. Average periotestometry data were calculated for each patient. The average readings of periotestometry for different groups of patients were determined. Results. On the basis of the data obtained while comparing the results of periotestometry, in relation to the type of dentition defect, statistically significant differences were established (p 0.001) (method used: the Kraskel – Wallis criteria). The results of periotestometry obtained in patients of group 4 were significantly higher than in representatives of other examined groups. The least mobility according to the results of periotestometry was observed in groups 2 and 3. Conclusions. The study revealed significant differences in the degree of tooth mobility in relation to the type of dentition defect. In patients with single standing teeth, 2–3 degree of their mobility was determined, while patients with included defects had 1–2 degree of the mobility of existing teeth. The obtained data of periotestometry indicate the need to use unloading dentures in elderly patients, in order to preserve the remaining teeth in patients with single-standing teeth, as well as in patients with terminal defects of the dentition.