Oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction before and after treatment with complete dentures in a Dental School in Brazil.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of treatment with new complete dentures on oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction of edentulous patients attending the Prosthodontic Department in a Dental School in Brazil.

METHODS

A total of 70 edentulous subjects (37-86 years) treated by undergradute students at the Araçatuba Dental School, University of State of São Paulo, were accessed. A specific questionnaire for edentulous patients (EDENT) based on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) was applied to collect information on patient oral health-related quality of life. Questions related to the personal satisfaction of the edentulous patients with their complete dentures were also included. The patients were accessed before the treatment, and 3 months after receiving the new dentures.

RESULTS

After rehabilitation with new complete dentures, all domains of OHIP-EDENT showed significant improvements. There was also a significant improvement in patient satisfaction after placement of new complete dentures. Furthermore, it was possible to observe association between upper denture satisfaction and age.

CONCLUSION

Conventional complete dentures may have a positive impact on oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction of edentulous patients.