Repairing the Toothless Grin: The ABCs of Dentures

Tooth Loss has Profound Effects on the Wellbeing of Elderly Individuals

Dr. David W. Matear
Associate Professor
Director of Clinics
Faculty of Dentistry
University of Toronto

Fayaaz Jaffer
Faculty of Dentistry
University of Toronto

David Lam
Faculty of Dentistry
University of Toronto

Introduction
Teeth are supported by the surrounding peridontium, which is composed of both soft (periodontal ligament and lamina propria) and hard connective tissue (cementum and bone).

It is the periodontium that provides attachment of the teeth to the jaw and, when the periodontal tissues become diseased, the resultant lack of support results in tooth loss. Age is a definite factor in such loss, although other obvious causes are decay and physical trauma.

The loss of teeth decreases the preservation of an individual's dentition and also detracts considerably from a socially acceptable appearance. In such cases, the replacement of missing teeth is accomplished by the fabrication of either a complete or partial denture, or both. Regrettably, dental care in the elderly population is often neglected. This may be due to other physical handicaps, which may restrict the patient's ability to travel or in situations where the patients are confined to their homes.