A qualitative investigation into patients' perspectives on edentulousness

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the experiences of edentulous patients for their perceptions of tooth loss and patient attitudes to treatment options for rehabilitation of the edentate state. METHODS: Purposive sampling was used to recruit edentate patients with varying denture-wearing experience from two dental hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. Sixteen edentate patients, aged 59 to 83 years, of whom 12 were women and four men were interviewed. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Findings from this study reflect previous studies, whereby some patients indicated dissatisfaction with the functionality of their dentures. The majority of participants had no regret regarding the loss of their teeth, and despite dissatisfaction with dentures, they would not consider other forms of treatment. Finance was not considered an issue in determining whether to seek out treatment by these participants. These participants expressed a reluctance to get new dentures in case they were more problematic. CONCLUSION: This study illustrates that some elder edentate patients were dissatisfied with the functionality of their dentures and raised concerns that about the quality of dentures which may be provided to them by dentists. These participants identified clinical dental technicians as a preferred point of contact for their care. Consideration should be given to new oral healthcare delivery models which are accessible and acceptable to future elders.