Know-how and preferences of prosthesis among general dental patients after tooth extraction

Abstract

Tooth loss is physically and emotionally a traumatizing event as it gives a feeling of being handicapped just as any other part of the body. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge among dental patients regarding options and benefits of dental prosthesis. Moreover, it was also focused to analyze the level of awareness among patients regarding the consequences of non-replacement of missing teeth. Methods: A cross sectional qualitative descriptive study was conducted among general dental patients visiting University Dental Hospital (UDH), University of Lahore, who have undergone extraction and willing for rehabilitation. The sampling was done with non-probability purposive sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire with 24 close ended questions was used. Questionnaire was divided into two sections; Section A consists of 9 questions regarding patient’s demographic data and section B comprised of 15 close ended questions regarding patient’s chief presenting complaint leading to dental extraction and prosthesis preference. Results: Majority of the patients (43%) revealed that pain was the main reason for extraction. A major bulk of the patients (37%) opted rehabilitation of missing teeth to attain masticatory efficiency. Patients who were aware of the consequences of non-restoration of missing teeth (60%) outnumbered those who were not having this awareness. Majority of the respondents (37%) preferred fixed prosthesis as a replacement option. Conclusion: Dentists play a very vital role in oral-dental rehabilitation of the patients therefore restoring a healthy mind within a healthy body. The majority of the patients are keen on getting missing teeth replaced mainly for comfortable mastication.