Association Between Depression and Dissatisfaction with Complete Dentures

Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the role of depression in complete denture dissatisfaction and to determine frequencies of depression among the satisfied and dissatisfied patients. Study design: A cross sectional survey was carried out at Department of Prosthodontics, De’Montmorency College of Dentistry. Punjab Dental Hospital. The sample size was 80 edentulous patients having adequate maxillary and mandibular ridges. Methodology: The patients selected would be wearing complete dentures for the first time. All dentures were carefully designed. A socio-demographic form and depression rating questionnaire was filled by every participant involved in the study. After six months, satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the provided complete denture set was assessed through a separate questionnaire. The patients’ opinion concerning satisfaction with their dentures and depression was recorded and statistical analysis done. The results showed that 36.25% depressed versus 63.75% non-depressed. 28.75% were dissatisfied versus 71.25% satisfied. Conclusion: It was concluded that depression played a significant role in decreasing the satisfaction rating in first time denture wearers. Keywords: Depression, dissatisfaction, complete dentures,

Comparison of Oral Stereognostic Proficiency Between New and Previous Complete Denture Wearers

Objective: To compare oral stereognostic proficiency scores between new and previous complete denture wearers. Study design and study settings: This cross-sectional study design was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi. Methodology: Total 60 patients belonging to age group of 45–75 years were selected from the study setting. Oral stereognostic proficiency was recorded by using different oral stereognostic intra oral testing tools and scores were noted. Data analysis was done using SPSS (version 20) software. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the scores of new and old previous complete denture wearers. Effect modifier like gender was rectified by method of stratification. Post stratification independent sample t-test was applied and p value of 0.05 or less was considered to be significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 59.8+7.85 years. Previous complete denture wearers were found to have a higher value as compared to the new complete denture wearers. Significant difference between both groups according to age was found with older individuals having a lower stereognostic value than younger individuals. Conclusions: Oral stereognostic test is a dependable test to measure patients’ oral stereognostic perception which can help the dentist in better educating the patient in terms of his/her expectations regarding the prosthesis and in better understanding the limitations of the prosthesis

An ingenious technique for functional palatal reservoir construction in complete dentures

The retention, stability and comfort of wearing denture is greatly influenced by the flow, quantity and consistency of saliva. Insufficient salivary output results especially in old-aged edentulous patients may result in denture sores because of lack of lubrication by saliva, thus, reducing patient’s ability to retain the prosthesis. Various approaches have been concernes with the use of reservoir with holes have been described in the literature. However the flow of salivary substitute is very difficult to control. Moreover the frequent cleaning of the denture required to maintain the patency of the reservoir holes poses various challenges to the patient. This article explains a novel technique for the incorporation of a reservoir with controlled salivary flow in complete denture to enhance the retention of the prosthesis and thus, improving the comfort of wearing denture and the speech of patient.

The Level of utilization and Satisfaction of Complete Denture Treatment Provided in Fiji from 2010-2016

BACKGROUND: Wearing dentures helps rehabilitate the oral health status for the older people. Due to lack of previous data, this objective of this study was to determine the level of utilization and satisfaction of complete denture treatment at dental clinics in Fiji. MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on 85 edentulous patients and dentures at the Fiji National University (FNU) teaching dental clinic from 2010-2016.Patients who utilized the dentures fabricated at FNU and identified as complete denture patients from 2010-2016 were included in this study. Data was collected using the denture assessment form and Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire. Correlation test was done and p less than 0.05 was considered as level of significance. RESULTS: Participants were between the age range of 40-79 years with majority being male (54%). Greater level of satisfaction noted among 60-69 years male participants and those wearing the dentures for 3-4 years than other groups. Difficulty in chewing (40%) and food catching underneath the denture (33%) were common denture related complains. One thirds of participants reported of uncomfortable dentures while 24% had sore spots due to their dentures. More than two thirds of them, (71%) were unable to eat and enjoy food and for most patients, the vertical dimension (94%), esthetics assessment (94%), tooth selection (91%), boarder extension (78%), posterior seal (99%) and centric relation (99%) were acceptable. Patients with acceptable vertical dimension (46.1±7.6), acceptable esthetics (45.8±7.9) and boarder extension (48.0±7.2) showed greater satisfaction level compared to those with unacceptable denture characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that satisfaction among recent denture wearers was low and majority participants portrayed poor understanding regarding denture aftercare and hygiene. It can be recommended for the teaching institutes and dental clinics to evaluate the quality of treatments and help to improve the quality of services being provided to the patients. Further study is needed to determine the in- depth perceptions of denture wearers. It also can be recommended for the patients to take heed of the post operative denture hygiene instructions being given.