Prevalence of Tooth Loss and Removable Prosthodontics Need among Khartoum Inhabitants

Introduction: In recent years, the trend for the entire dental profession has been towards the preservation of the natural dentition. While this strategy may bring a decrease in the need for partial or complete prosthesis, there is little evidence that this trend is effective in our country since the need for prosthetic care is still high. Objectives: The aim of this study was to document the number of missing teeth, the state of the existing prosthodontics restorations, and to evaluate the need for prosthodontics treatment.  Methods; Data collection was done by direct interviews and clinical examination. Seven hundred Sudanese individuals residing in Khartoum State participated in this study, with a mean age of 50, and an age range from 30-75 years. The needs for prosthodontic treatment, and the evaluation of partial and complete restorations, were assessed according to the modified Nevalainen Index. Results: The results showed that 84% of the subjects were in need for fixed, removable or combined prosthodontics treatment.  87% of subjects were found to be partially dentate, out of which only 3% wore removable partial dentures and 11% had fixed bridges respectively, while the remaining subjects were in real need for prosthodontics restorations. Complete edentulousness occurred in 11% of whom 9% of were in need for complete maxillary and mandibular dentures. Only 12 had satisfactory dentures. Conclusion: These findings could help contribute plan future dental prophylactic and therapeutic services in Sudan.