Exploring the Journey of Patients Rehabilitated with Removable Complete Dentures: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study

Understanding denture patient experiences is vital for improving care outcomes. This research explored the lived experiences of patients undergoing rehabilitation with removable complete dentures, a topic often overlooked in qualitative oral healthcare research. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, 25 adults treated through the public health service in Tasmania's Southern Dental Clinic between 2017 and 2022 were interviewed to gain insight into their journeys. Semistructured, face-to-face interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using NVivo 12, following a structured coding and memoing process. The study uncovered a 4-phase progression: <i>journeying to the unknown</i> (confronting unfamiliar experiences), <i>transitioning to knowing</i> (developing understanding), <i>deciding on the known</i> (making informed choices), and <i>living in the known</i> (applying gained knowledge). These phases form the foundation of the substantive theory <i>renormalizing the disrupted</i>, which illustrates how patients continuously move between disruption and efforts to restore normalcy. This theory challenges the traditional view that denture rehabilitation ends with denture placement. It calls for interdisciplinary, person-centered support to address the emotional, psychological, and practical challenges patients face, ultimately improving long-term outcomes for those living with complete dentures.