Influência da reabilitação com próteses totais sobre a qualidade de vida de idosos desdentados residentes no Distrito Federal

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy in Brazil does not allow elderly people to enjoy the surplus years with quality. Brazilian longevity brings with them the cumulative effect of years exposed to different risk factors, many of theem associated with eating habits and self-care, making them susceptible to Non-communicable Chronic Diseases. Oral diseases have a strong behavioral component. The same poor eating habits (low-fiber, high-calorie foods, without the inclusion of fruits and vegetables), besides the increase risk for diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, will also affect teeth. Therefore, at age 60, many adults present partial or total edentulism. Among the treatments offered by the dental services of the Department of Health of the Federal District in Brazil to elderly, is the rehabilitation with full dentures (complete dentures). From this reality, this study proposed to evaluate the effect that new pairs of prosthesis can exert on the quality of life of the individuals. Interviews were conducted with 106 elderly people (55 who received new prostheses and 51 who needed this type of treatment). All of them answered a socio-demographic questionnaire, an instrument that addresses the Quality of Life Related to Oral Health (OHRQoL), the Geriatric Depression Scale (Simplified) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment. The results show that the masticatory restoration has not yet reached its full potential and the patients who received the prosthesis still have their quality of life compromised by pain and difficulties of chewing. On the other hand, a psychosocial effect was noticed, and confirms the importance of aesthetic in the reinsertion of the elderly in social support networks. Therefore, although the prosthesis has a role in improving the quality of life of the elderly, services still need to improve the benefits related to chewing, and offer to the elderly population the chance to change their nutritional quality, reducing the risk of diseases and increasing their quality of life.