Patient satisfaction and complication rates after delivery of removable partial dentures: A 4-year retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Patients′ satisfaction and complication rates of removable partial dentures (RPDs) can affect patient acceptance and compliance in using RPDs. This study aims to determine complication and satisfaction rates in patients wearing RPDs. Materials and Methods: Patients that were treated with RPDs at the Prosthodontic Department in the last 4 years (2010-2014) were invited for a clinical examination. Demographic information and RPD characteristics (Kennedy classification; edentulous jaw: Upper versus lower; clinician: General dental students or prosthodontic residents; denture type: Cobalt-chromium or full acrylic) were recorded. The patients′ satisfaction was measured on the basis of four criteria: Mastication, esthetic appearance, speech, and comfort components by a visual analog scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18 using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that RPD complications were not uncommon. The clinicians′ experience can influence postinsertion patient satisfaction and complication rates.

Keywords

• denture complications
• removable partial denture
• satisfaction