Bezmiâlem Science (Jul 2023)

Radiographic Evaluation of Current Status of Permanent Lower First and Second Molars in Geriatric Patients in Turkish Population

  • Gamze NALCI,
  • Sevde Nur TAŞER

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14235/bas.galenos.2022.43255
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 3
pp. 321 – 325

Abstract

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Objective:Our study aimed to examine the effects of age and gender for both tooth groups by determining the current status of the permanent mandibular first and second molars, presence/absence status of them and disease/health status of them in geriatric patients.Methods:Panoramic radiographs of 1,500 patients, 815 women and 685 men, aged 65 and over, who were admitted to Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Dentistry between 2019-2021, were examined. A single investigator reviewed each patient’s X-ray. The patients were classified according to their age groups and genders. Age classification was made as 65-74 years, 75-84 years and ≥85 years. Conditions of permanent lower first and second molars were recorded as present or absent. If present, it was reported whether healthy, canal treated, filled orroot canal treated + prosthetic restoration. Root residue and the presence of implants were also noted.Results:Among 1,500 geriatric patients who were admitted to Bezmialem Vakıf University Faculty of Dentistry between 2019-2021, 1,127 (75.1%) were in the 65-74 years of age group, 321 (21.4) in the 75-84 years of age group, and 52 (3.5%) in the ≥85 years of age group. Of the permanent left mandibular first molars, 6.7% were healthy and 72.1% were absent. Of the permanent left mandibular second molars, 10.3% were healthy and 67% were absent. While 6.1% of the permanent right mandibular first molars were healthy, 73.3% were absent. On the other hand, 10% of the permanent right mandibular second molars were healthy, while 66.8% were absent. While the number of geriatric patients with no missing teeth was 97, the number of patients with four missing teeth was found to be 785.Conclusion:The survival percentage of permanent mandibular second molars is higher than permanent mandibular first molars. Despite the prolongation of life expectancy, there is no increase in the frequency of permanent molars.

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