Introduction: Fixed prosthetics play a crucial role in restoring both functional and aesthetic characteristics of the oral cavity, enhancing patients' quality of life. Patient satisfaction assessment is a key aspect in improving treatment methods and preventing complications.
Objective of the Study: This study aims to assess patient satisfaction with fixed dental prostheses among residents of Poltava and the Poltava region through a structured questionnaire.
Materials and Methods: The study included 44 patients (29.55% male, 70.45% female) with an average age of 55 years. Participants were divided into three groups: those receiving prostheses for the first time, those using prostheses for less than five years, and those with prostheses for over five years. The survey utilized a proprietary questionnaire comprising two sections: overall satisfaction (60 points), and convenience and comfort (75 points). Data analysis was performed using JASP software with ANCOVA and the Wilcoxon test to identify differences based on prosthesis duration.
Results: Questionnaire results revealed a trend of decreasing satisfaction with extended use of fixed prostheses. Average satisfaction scores dropped from 56.69 in the first group to 52.93 in the second group and to 48.18 in the third, indicating an overall decline of 6.26% and 14.18%, respectively, between groups. The second section of the questionnaire indicated an increase in maintenance difficulties and discomfort, with scores rising from 35.15 to 46.71 points, reflecting a 15.42% increase in this trend. These findings suggest that prolonged use of fixed prostheses results in reduced comfort and greater maintenance challenges, adversely affecting quality of life.
ANCOVA analysis indicated that gingival health around the prosthesis had the greatest impact on satisfaction in the first section (F = 10.091, p < 0.001), while ease of use had a lesser impact (F = 2.298, p = 0.113). In the second section, tooth decay under the prosthesis emerged as a significant issue (F = 7.716, p = 0.001), whereas satisfaction with tooth color had the least impact (F = 0.465, p = 0.632).
Conclusions: The structured division of the questionnaire into two sections proved effective, enabling the collection of detailed information on various aspects of prosthesis satisfaction among residents of Poltava and the Poltava region. The survey highlighted an overall trend of declining satisfaction with prolonged prosthesis use, underscoring the necessity for careful monitoring and timely replacement to improve treatment quality and maintain high levels of patient satisfaction.
