Attitude of complete denture wearers to denture maintenance and recall visits: A 10-year observational study

Abstract

Background: The demand for complete dentures will persist due to population growth and people living longer. The study assessed denture hygiene and maintenance practices over a period of 10 years. Methods: This was a 10-year prospective study of individuals rehabilitated with complete dentures. Data on socio-demographics, reasons for denture demand, and causes of tooth loss were retrieved before denture prescription. Data regarding denture maintenance practices, frequency and rationale for recall visits, quality of health, and patients’ perceived overall satisfaction were recorded after dentures had been in use by the participants. Data were collected over the course of review appointments and were retrieved using structured questionnaires based on the American College of Prosthodontists denture care and maintenance guidelines and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance indicator. Retrieved data were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Forty patients with a mean age of 69.5 ± 16.7 years were enrolled in the study. About 63.2% were male, and many (57.9%) were without co-morbidities. Most (68.4%) had dentures replacing both arches. At recall, 15.8% reported brushing dentures with toothpaste and 34.2% slept with dentures. There was a low (25%) compliance with recall appointments. This was mainly (73.3%) due to lack of motivation. Most (68.4%) of participants were satisfied with their dentures. Conclusion: The adherence to denture hygiene guidance within the limit of this study among complete denture wearers was found to be good but there was poor adherence to the denture maintenance regime.

Keywords

• adherence
• assessing
• complete denture
• hygiene