Attitudes of Patients Towards Replacement of Missing Teeth at Manubhai Patel Dental College, Vadodara

Abstract

Background: In India, the attitude of patients towards the replacement of teeth has not yet been investigated as much as in Western countries. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to conduct a survey to assess patients attitudes towards the replacement of teeth among those who reported to Manubhai Patel Dental College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey to determine patients attitudes towards replacement of teeth was conducted. 144 subjects were examined by a clinician (70 males and 74 females). A fourteen item, closed-ended questionnaire in two parts was recorded. This was followed by a clinical examination in which the subject’s chief complaints were recorded and existing/missing teeth were charted. Result: When subjects were asked if they were aware whether they could replace their missing teeth, 93% of them responded “yes,” while 7% responded “no.” Out of those who responded “no,” subjects were found to be within different socio-economic classes and reported various reasons for not replacing their missing teeth such as financial reasons, lack of impairment in function, or lack of time. Conclusion: In this study, a higher number of patients stated that the artificial teeth were equivalent to natural teeth. Attitudes of patients should be taken into consideration to improve patient compliance with acceptance of the prostheses. An emphasis on awareness should also be considered as most patients did not have the knowledge of the importance of replacing their missing teeth other than for esthetics or mastication purposes, especially in the lower socio-economic classes.