Factors contributing to dissatisfaction in complete denture wearers.

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation of extensive tooth loss is believed to improve mastication however a proportion of complete denture wearers are not satisfied with their dentures
Objective: The study is aimed at determining factors that contribute to dissatisfaction in complete denture wearers.
Methods: A total of 24 patients of a teaching hospital were recruited and studied after fitting with new complete dentures using interviewer administered questionnaire which elicited information on sociodemographic, denture use and satisfaction. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 16.o statistical software for windows.
Results: Twenty four subjects complied to protocol of study. The mean age of subjects seen was 63.30 years ± S.D. 17.67. There were seventeen males (70.8%) and seven females (29.2%). Eight subjects (33.3%) were not satisfied with their dentures. Five subjects were dissatisfied with lower denture while three subjects were dissatisfied with upper denture. The major (62.5%) cause of dissatisfaction was masticatory problem. Class of denture had a statistical significant relationship with satisfaction (P =0.02). Patient who rated that their denture very good were still dissatisfied with their denture. Type of diet had a significant relationship with perceived satisfaction (P=0.003).
Conclusion: Perceived dissatisfaction was common amongst single conventional complete denture wearers. Major limitation was masticatory problem.

Keywords: Restoration, Complete denture, satisfaction.