Patient Satisfaction with Complete Dentures in Fujairah Dental Center

Abstract

Introduction: Complete dentures are the most common treatment modality for edentate patients. Patient satisfaction with their dentures has not been previously investigated in the UAE.

Aim: This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with complete dentures provided at Fujairah Dental Centre.

Methods: All patients seen and treated with complete dentures at Fujairah Dental Centre between 2014and 2016 were invited to take part and thus formed a convenience sample. A 21-item questionnaire was developed. Demographic details included age and level of education. Satisfaction with several variables such as comfort, appearance, speech and masticatory efficiency were assessed on a 4-point scale. Other questions asked about soreness, taste and the reasons for not having dental implants.

Results: A total of 60 patients from Fujairah Dental Centre took part in this questionnaire survey of complete denture satisfaction. The overall mean age of respondents was 63.08 years with no statistical difference by gender. Responses to several aspects of denture satisfaction were analysed. Masticatory efficiency of the lower denture was rated as excellent by the lowest number of respondents (36%) whereas ease of insertion/removal of the upper denture was rated excellent by most respondents (74%). A significantly greater proportion of females felt older with wearing dentures compared to males (p<0.001). A strong positive correlation existed between denture comfort and masticatory efficiency, rho=+0.75 for upper, +0.72 for lower (p<0.001). The mean length of time the participants were edentulous was 3.05 years for males and 2.45 years for females. There was no association between length of time participants were edentulous and denture satisfaction with either comfort or masticatory efficiency. Only half of the participants felt that the quality of speech was excellent, while 7 (11%) had occasional sore mouth and 11(18%)had experienced alteration in taste.

Conclusion: The overall level of satisfaction with complete dentures was good to excellent. Respondents were less satisfied with the lower denture and in particular masticatory efficiency.