# Prosthetic Status, Removable Prostheses and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis Within a Population-Based Study

## TL;DR

This study found that while life satisfaction in older adults is not affected by dental prostheses, oral health-related quality of life is highest for those without tooth loss and lower for those using removable prostheses.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the relationship between prosthetic status and quality of life in older adults.

## Key findings

- Partial mandibular deficiencies were most common and less likely to be treated than maxillary defects.
- OHRQoL was significantly lower for those using RDPs compared to those without deficiencies.
- Prosthesis users reported dissatisfaction with appearance and eating comfort.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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 (p = 0.326). In contrast, OHRQoL differed significantly (mean GOHAI = 53.8; p = 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. Conclusions: 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.