Objectives : The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the status and necessity of dental prosthesis and mastication function in the Korean elderly. Methods : This study investigated 4,557 elderly people aged over 65 in the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(2010-2012). Frequency analysis, ${chi}^2$ test, and logistic regression analysis were used. Results : Those aged over 75 complained of greater discomfort in mastication function than those from 65 to 74, and it was statistically significant(p<0.001). Mastication discomfort was not so significant in those with higher education and higher income(p<0.001). Those who did not use prosthesis tended to have better mastication function(p<0.001). Denture users complained of mastication discomfort when they used it(p<0.001). Conclusions : This study verified the relationship between the discomfort in mastication and related factors, and will provide the basic data for the access to dental clinic services.