Abstract

Future needs of prosthodontic restorations

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Kerschbaum
The prevalence of prosthetic dental restorations in the adult population in highly industrialized countries of Europe is still high and will remain in this status for a long time. It will be need by more of the half of the population and nearly all of the elderly people. The type of restoration depends of the number of teeth and is modified by education, income, region and socio-economic factors.

In detail: The frequency of complete dentures in both jaws is reducing in all age groups because of sinking edentulousnes, the number of wearers of fixed partial dentures (crown, FDP, bridges) is increasing especially in younger adults. A higher frequency of removable restorations (as combined types too) is present in older age groups. Removable dentures will be the most prevalent form in seniors. In Germany unprovided mutilated dentitions in young adults are still highly prevalent. The restoration with implant borne structures is growing in all age groups, but it will remain infrequent (3-5 %).

Although modern dentistry performed great success in prophylaxis in children and young adults a marked need in prosthodontic care is still stated in mutilated dentitions of elderly people.