Salivary Viscosity, Retention and Satisfaction in Complete Denture Therapy

Abstract

Background: The viscosity of saliva has been reported to influence the retention of complete denture, which is used to assess satisfaction in complete denture wearers. There has been varied opinion on influence of saliva viscosity and perceived satisfaction.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of saliva quality with perceived satisfaction in complete denture wearers.

Methods: This was a study carried out among complete denture wearers who attended the outpatient prosthetic clinic of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in 2013.

Data was collected using a structured pretested questionnaire administered by examiner in pre and postoperative sessions. Questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, preoperative perceived satisfaction, dietary habit, postoperative perceived satisfaction, retention of dentures.

Results: A total of 30 subjects participated in this study. The mean age was 63.3 years±16.7. Lower denture wearers were 6.7% of the population with 16.7% wearing single upper denture and 76.6% wearing both upper and lower dentures. All Subjects with lower dentures had normal saliva. Hypertension (20%) was the commonest systemic disorder. All subjects with normal saliva viscosity were satisfied with their dentures. Amongst subjects with thin & watery saliva, 50% were satisfied and all subjects with thick and ropy saliva were not satisfied (p = 0.016). Majority of subjects with normal salivary viscosity had good retention (p=0.046)

Conclusion: Saliva viscosity has an influence on perceived satisfaction in complete denture wearer, with normal saliva viscosity supporting perceived satisfaction.

Keywords: Saliva, viscosity, and satisfaction