Quality of life in edentulous patients: the role of dentures

Abstract

Preliminary findings from the SB Brazil 2022 indicate a decrease in complete denture usage among individuals aged 65 to 74 years. However, over 50% of the surveyed population still uses complete dentures which can impact the quality of life of full edentulous individuals in unexpected ways. This cross-sectional study evaluated the profile of a sample of edentulous individuals using public services and the impact of edentulism and oral rehabilitation on the quality of life of the participants. The profile was outlined by sociodemographic, clinical, and general health data collected from (n=52) patients' medical records treated between 2015 and 2019, and from edentulous patients undergoing treatment in 2021 at the Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry (n=29). Interviews regarding the impact of edentulism and oral rehabilitation on quality of life were exclusively conducted with the patient’s undergoing treatment in 2021. The profile (n=81) showed descriptively. The data on the impact of edentulism and oral rehabilitation on quality of life were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test (p<0.05). Women were 70.4%, normal maxillary ridge height was 55.6%, and low or reabsorbed mandibular ridge height was 79%. Sadness was the most reported feeling (41.4%) and 62.1% were not prepared for the consequences of edentulism. Also, a strong positive correlation between “Psychological discomfort and disability” and “Oral/Orofacial pain and discomfort” domains was obtained (ρ=0.837). The results presented are in line with worldwide trends, and it indicates that edentulism and oral rehabilitation significantly influence overall health and quality of life.