Functional assessment of removable complete dentures

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical quality of old removable complete dentures and to find out patient satisfaction. It was carried out from July 2011 to June 2012. It was case series descriptive study. Data relating to 72 patients wearing complete dentures were collected using structured eight categories, four point scale Proforma. Detailed patient history, clinical and prosthesis examination were undertaken. Data related to age, gender, fitting place and complete denture post-fitting duration were also recorded. Male to female patient's ratio was 2.21. Forty one [57%] complete dentures wearers had got their dentures made from public hospitals. Majority [42%] of evaluated complete dentures were not older than five years. Patients told us about good retention in 27 [37.5%] of maxillary and fair retention in 34 [47.2%] of mandibular complete dentures. Good mastication was reported by 40 patients [55.5%] and good esthetics by 34 [47.2%]. Sixty three [87.5%] patients complained about pain in their maxillary dentures and 54[75%] in mandibular dentures. Good stability was reported by 31 [43%] of mandibular dentures and 37 [51.3%] of maxiliary dentures. Good occlusion was seen in 37 [51.3%], oral hygiene in 45 [62.5%] and prostheses hygiene in 39 [54.1%]. It was concluded that retention and stability was good in maxillary dentures while fair in mandibular dentures. Majority of the patients showed poor oral and prosthesis hygiene. Pain was the most common complaint of these complete denture wear