The Problem of Patients’ Adaptation to Full Removable Dentures

Abstract

One of the key modern orthopaedic dentistry problems related to rehabilitation of patients with complete edentulism is the process of their adaptation to artificial orthopaedic constructions. According to fundamental and modern scientific research, the biological factor, i.e. the complex of all reactions of the organism to the prosthesis including psychological reactions that is individual for each user, is the most important one. Development of new conditioned-reflex connections and formation of cortical inhibition of active stimulus, that a full removable denture is, depends directly on the balance and dynamics of patient’s neural processes despite having several common characteristics including chronometric ones that can be revealed in the majority of patients of this category. Furthermore, previous experience of full removable denture usage is of great importance, specifically its presence or absence and whether it was positive or negative etc., which in its entirety influences the degree and intensity of phases in patient’s adaptation to a new artificial construction. In this connection, it is important to note the role of patients’ psychological preparation, their familiarisation with corresponding illustrative material, establishment of the psychological contact aimed to form positive but at the same time realistic view on the provided prosthetic care in terms of functional and aesthetic optimum restoration, which is an essential part of successful rehabilitation for this category of patients. On the grounds of many years’ practical experience, a number of most frequent complaints and questions of patients provided with rehabilitation using full removable dentures which frequently accompany adaptation process and demand careful doctor’s attention while performing explanatory work has been developed. Thereafter, it is necessary to make a corresponding note in patient’s medical record with signature confirmation in order to prevent further conflicts associated with the process of adaptation to dentures and its peculiarities related to this specific patient.