A Primer on Edentulism
Dennis P. Tarnow, DDS
Learning Objectives:
After listening to and reviewing this podcast, the listener should:
- Understand the characteristics and symptoms of the condition know as edentulism
- Know how to diagnose edentulism in patients
Edentulism is the
state of being without natural teeth. Before exploring its treatment, a
diagnosis of edentulism needs to incorporate a thorough understanding of the
disease process. This includes the consequences of tooth loss and an
understanding of how it affects treatment decisions. This impairment has
all the characteristics of a chronic disease--edentulism is incurable, it is
functionally and psychologically disruptive, and it requires specific
management strategies to either overcome or limit these disruptive effects.
Edentulous people exhibit a wide range of anatomic variations and health
concerns. As a result, classifying all edentulous patients as a single
diagnostic group is insensitive to the diversity of conditions and to the
variety of treatment procedures required to restore function and comfort.
Related Reading:
- World
Health Organization. International Classification of Functioning, Disability
and Health. Geneva, Switzerland; 2001.
- Feine JS, Carlsson GE. Implant Overdentures: The Standard of Care
for Edentulous Patients. Carol Stream,
IL: Quintessence Publishing,
2003.
- McGarry TJ, Nimmo A, Skiba JF, et al.
Classification system for complete edentulism. The American College
of Prosthodontics. J Prosthodont 1999;8(1):27-39.
- Tallgren A. The continuing reduction of the
residual alveolar ridges in complete denture wearers: a mixed longitudinal
study covering 25 years. J Prosthet Dent 1972;27(2):120-132.
- Geissler CA, Bates JF. The nutritional
effects of teeth loss. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39(3)478-489.
- Sheiham A, Steele JG, Marcenes W, et al. The
impact of oral health on stated ability to eat certain foods; findings from the
national diet and nutrition survey of older people in Great Britain. Gerodontology.
1999;16(1):11-20.
- Sheiham A, Steele J. Does the condition of
the mouth and teeth affect the ability to eat certain foods, nutrients and
dietary intake and nutritional status amongst older people? Public Health Nutr
2001;4(3):797-803.
- Wayler AH, Chauncey HH. Impact of complete
dentures and impaired natural dentition on masticatory performance and food
choice in healthy aging men. J Prosthet Dent 1983;49(3):427-433.
- Hinds K, Gregory JR. National diet and
nutrition survey. People aged 65 years or over. Vol 2: Report of the oral
health survey. London:
Stationary Office, 1998.
- Sheiham A, Steele JG, Marcenes W, et al. The
relationship among dental status, nutrient intake, and nutritional status in
older people. J Dent Res 2001;80(2):408-413.
- Fontijn-Tekamp FA, van’t Hof MA, Slagter AP,
van Waas MA. The state of dentition in
relation to nutrition in elderly Europeans in the SENECA study of 1993. Eur J
Clin Nutr 1996;50(2):117-122.
- MacEntee MI, Hill PM, Wong G, et al.
Predicting concerns for oral health among institutionalized elders. J Public
Health Dent 1991;51(2):82-90.