Patients’ satisfaction and quality of life with complete dentures constructed by various clinicians. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Edentulism prevalence is high in many developing countries, which dictates replacement with a convenient restoration. Meeting patients' expectations and fulfilling their demands is the supreme criterion for complete denture satisfaction. Appearance and efficiency are the ultimate predominant factors. Patient satisfaction is the key to good quality of life which is a human's birthright.The aim of this study is to identify the preponderant dimension of patient satisfaction, with special concern for patient perception toward the dentist's experience and professionality.Methodology: 116 completely edentulous patients were selected from the outpatient clinic, 58 patients (group I) had their dentures constructed by dental students, and 58 (group II) had their dentures constructed by prosthodontists. A questionnaire-based survey was utilized to detect patients' satisfaction with their dentures and recognize if there was a difference in satisfaction scores among the two groups.Results: Patients were generally satisfied with their dentures, and most of them had the highest level of satisfaction with denture esthetics and the lowest satisfaction score with eating difficulties. As for satisfaction difference between groups I and II, there was no significant difference found among both groups. Conclusion:It was concluded that the most common problem experienced by the patients generally was eating difficulties followed by retention problems, then other miscellaneous problems, pain and discomfort, and finally esthetics. As for the difference in the overall satisfaction level among both groups, there was no significant difference between patients treated by dental students and those treated by specialized prosthodontists.