Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to observe and determine the oral complaints of patients aged 50 years or older and their satisfaction with their complete dentures by means of a simple questionnaire. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Prosthodontics Dr.Ishratul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, and at the Department of Prosthodontics, Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi Pakistan during the period of May 2014 to August 2014. Data relating to 51 patients wearing complete dentures was collected using structured eight categorized questionnaire, three point scale Performa. Patient history was taken and examination done. Demographic view obtained consists of age, gender; fitting place and the duration that complete denture has been in use for. The recorded data was entered into SPSS version 17.Results: There were total 51 patients with gender distribution of 72.5% (37) males and 27.4% (14) females. The responses for the questionnaire item 7 with subpart showed, in all cases that the majority of elder people reported a range of problems with their dentures. Pain was the most common complaint of these complete denture wearers. There was no significant relationship between the patient’s gender and type or number of complaints. Conclusion: Study results showed low quality of life of complete denture wearers as they frequently present problems of eating, social interaction and communication.

Key words: Geriatric Dentistry, Oral Health of Elderly People, Oral Complaints in Elderly People, Complete denture evaluation, Patient satisfaction.