Prosthetic Status, Removable Prostheses and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis Within a Population-Based Study.
Wnorowska, Kinga Dębkowska, Katarzyna Borawska, Zuzanna Samietz, Stefanie Bagińska, Joanna Kamińska, Inga Dubatówka, Marlena Stachurska, Zofia Sowa, Paweł Kamiński, Karol A
Wnorowska, Kinga
Dębkowska, Katarzyna
Borawska, Zuzanna
Samietz, Stefanie
Bagińska, Joanna
Kamińska, Inga
Dubatówka, Marlena
Stachurska, Zofia
Sowa, Paweł
Kamiński, Karol A
Affiliation
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-12-22
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Abstract
Tooth loss is a key marker of ageing and is linked to functional, psychological, and nutritional decline. Removable dental prostheses (RDPs) are widely used, yet their impact on life satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) remains uncertain. This study aimed to: (1) identify dental deficiencies in adults aged ≥50 years; (2) assess the use of RDPs; and (3) examine the relationship between prosthetic status, life satisfaction, and OHRQoL. This retrospective cross-sectional analysis included 986 participants from the Białystok PLUS cohort (2018-2024). Dental examinations classified individuals into: Group 0 (no deficiencies), Group 1 (deficiencies without prostheses), and Group 2 (deficiencies with RDPs). Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and OHRQoL using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Analyses included Kruskal-Wallis test and correspondence analysis. Partial mandibular deficiencies were the most frequent and were less often rehabilitated than maxillary defects. Most prostheses were mucosa-supported. Life satisfaction (mean SWLS = 22.4) did not differ significantly between groups ( = 0.326). In contrast, OHRQoL differed significantly (mean GOHAI = 53.8; = 0.0001), supporting an effect of prosthetic status. Group 0 showed the highest GOHAI scores (55.7), while Group 2 (52.7) scored lower than Group 1 (53.0). Prosthesis users most often reported dissatisfaction with appearance and eating comfort. Life satisfaction appears independent of prosthetic status. OHRQoL, however, is strongly associated with dentition: individuals without deficiencies report the highest outcomes, whereas RDPs-especially mucosa-supported types-do not improve, and may reduce, perceived OHRQoL.
Citation
Dent J (Basel) . 2025 Dec 22;14(1):7.
Type
Article