A preliminary evaluation of normative and realistic needs for prosthetic treatment among frail elderly patients in Serbia

Abstract

Background/purpose: Common to all frail elderly patients in Serbia is the fact that only little or no attention is given to their dental care. A normative need for prosthetic treatment exists for all partially edentulous and edentulous patients who lack adequate prosthetic devices. The realistic need for treatment means the opportunity to perform the treatment that will be beneficial for each patient individually. The goal of this study was to determine the normative and realistic needs for prosthetic treatment among frail elderly patients in Serbia. Materials and methods: The study involved 117 elderly and frail patients provided service at the Geriatrics Institute in Belgrade, and among families in suburban municipalities. We determined the patients' dental status, cognitive status, general health condition, and desire for treatment. Results: Results showed that 82.9% of patients had normative need for prosthetic treatment. Realistic need for prosthetic treatment was significantly lower-that is 19.7% to 28.2% of patients can be provided appropriate prosthetic treatment in order to improve their oral functionality and quality of life. Conclusion: Although realistic need for prosthetic treatment is significantly lower than normative need, treatment shouldn't be denied to patients who can receive it, especially when the treatment recommended is less invasive.