Reasons and Associated Problems for Not Replacing Lost Teeth: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

To find out and to understand the reasons and the associated problems for not substituting the lost teeth and to make an attempt in reducing the possible cause of not replacing the missing teeth. A total of 300 patients who had visited to the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Medical college & research institute with aged above 25 years with as a minimum of one missing teeth (excluding third molars) not replaced for more than three months and have visited the Institute other than for replacement of the missing teeth were selected. The study includes a predesigned and structured questionnaire containing seven (closed end) questions and followed by clinical examination recording the number and positions of the missing teeth. All the data were statistically analyzed. Statistical analysis shows the 42% of the patients find economical reason as the main hurdle for the replacement of the teeth followed by 33% of patients finds lack of time and remaining 25% of the patients are unaware of replacing the missing teeth. The 62% of male patients were found to be not pleased with their existing oral condition in terms of mastication of food & whereas 61% of female patients were found to be not satisfied with the aesthetics of the present dentition. Out of the various reasons, the economic reasons was the key reason for non- replacement of missing teeth. The patients having missing posterior teeth had more than the one-year duration of edentulousness. It can be suggested that, to reduce the economic burden in replacing the missing teeth, the Government of India and the insurance providers can include the dental treatment in their list of treatment covered by the health insurance.