Patient perceptions of prosthodontic management options for partially dentate older adults: a qualitative study

Changes in oral epidemiology have contributed to an older population who are partially dentate in many countries worldwide. This study aims to appreciate older patients’ impressions of the loss of their natural teeth and explore their experience of functionally orientated oral rehabilitation approach. Recruitment for this retrospectively registered qualitative study involved a purposive sample of 15 older partially dentate patients. Previously, this group of patients partook in a randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) on tooth replacement options. Patients who had received functionally orientated tooth replacements according to the Shortened Dental Arch (SDA) principles were invited to participate in a qualitative interview. Each patient received resin-bonded bridgework (RBB) to restore them to a functional dentition of 10 occluding pairs. All patients had previous experience with tooth replacement using Removable Partial Dentures (RPD). Following comprehensive interviews with participants, data was interpreted through thematic analysis. This study’s findings indicated high participant satisfaction with SDA treatment. Patients noted they found resin-bonded prostheses “lightweight,” “neat,” and “fixed”, citing these as contributing factors to the ease with which they adapted to these prostheses. It was also noted that patients perceived their new prostheses to be durable and an improvement on past removable treatments received. However, the patients indicated concern that the SDA treatment provided in the clinical study would not be available to them in a primary care setting. This qualitative study demonstrates that partially dentate older patients were satisfied with a functionally orientated approach to oral rehabilitation. (Trial Registration: ISRCTN26302774: 18/10/2013).