Attitudes of Saudi male patients toward the replacement of teeth

STATEMENT AND PROBLEM: [corrected] The objective of tooth replacement is the restoration of esthetics and function. Patient perceptions of esthetic and functional needs may not match the dental professional's assessment of these needs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient perceptions and professional assessments of prosthetic treatment needs in a population limited to Saudi men.

The study population comprised 238 Saudi Arabian men between the ages of 16 and 77. Subjects were classified in accordance with 3 parameters: age (16-25, 26-35, 36-45, or >45 years); completed education (primary, high school, or higher education); and number of missing teeth (1, 2-3, 4-6, or >6). A structured interview was conducted and each subject was asked 3 closed-ended (yes/no) questions on tooth loss and its effects. The interview was followed by a dental examination in which each subject's dental status and normative treatment needs were assessed. Patient perception data were compared to professionally assessed need. Data were analyzed with McNemar's test (alpha=.05).

Overall, 82% (194) of subjects expressed the need to replace their missing teeth. Forty-four percent (105) believed that tooth loss negatively affected their appearance, and 63% (150) thought that tooth loss reduced their chewing efficiency. The discrepancy between perceived and professionally assessed need in regard to function was significant (P<.01).

Within the limitations of this study, subjective perceptions of esthetic and functional treatment needs were highly variable among the Saudi male patients evaluated. Patient perceptions could not be predictably estimated by professionally assessed clinical need.