Oral conditions and need for dental treatment in an elderly population in Northern Norway

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Abstract
Oral conditions and dental treatment needs were investigated in a group of persons aged 65-79. A sample comprising 280 persons was drawn systematically to cover all persons in this age category living in the county of Troms in Norway; 241 persons attended, leaving a participation rate of 86. The participants were examined mainly in their homes by dentists in graduate training. Sixteen percent of the group were in constant need of assistance or care due to a poor general state of health. In all, 80% were edentulous: 72% of the men and 87% of the women. Ninety-two percent wore removable dentures, 5% had natural teeth only and 14% had natural teeth combined with a denture. Furthermore, 4% had neither teeth nor dentures, while dentures in both jaws were found in 66%. The objective treatment needs were extensive and mainly accumulated due to neglected care. Forty percent of the group needed new complete dentures and 20% a more comprehensive correction of their dentures. Only 30% intended to seek treatment in the near future. There seemed to be a definite need for a dental program to overcome or reduce the economic and other situational barriers.

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