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Published on: February 2, 2018
Quality of life and masticatory function in denture wearers
H Koshino1, T Hirai, T Ishijima
1Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-Tobetsu, Japan. koshino@hoku-iryo-u.ac.jp
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|April 25, 2006
Summary
This study found that wearing dentures significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) for elderly individuals. Difficulty chewing with complete dentures was linked to a lower QOL, highlighting the importance of functional prosthodontic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Prosthodontics
- Quality of Life Research
- Geriatric Dentistry
Background:
- Successful prosthodontic treatments, including removable partial dentures and maxillofacial prostheses, aim to improve psychological well-being and overall health.
- The impact of denture function on a patient's quality of life (QOL) is a critical consideration in treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and various aspects of denture function.
- To develop and validate a questionnaire assessing denture-related issues, health status, and QOL.
Main Methods:
- A 16-item visual analog scale questionnaire was developed to assess denture problems, health, psychological and physical well-being, and QOL.
- The questionnaire's validity and reliability were tested on 48 denture wearers.
- Factor analysis with Varimax rotation was used to refine the questionnaire into a 4-factor, 8-question scale for denture patients.
- Reliability analysis confirmed the QOL scale's consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.784).
Main Results:
- A total of 103 outpatients completed the newly developed questionnaire to assess QOL differences across various denture types and conditions.
- The reliability of the developed QOL scale was confirmed through reliability analysis, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.784.
- Edentulous patients experiencing chewing difficulties with complete dentures reported significantly lower QOL scores compared to other denture patient groups.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that wearing dentures significantly affects the quality of life in elderly individuals.
- Impaired chewing function in complete denture wearers is associated with a reduced quality of life.
- Effective prosthodontic treatment is crucial for enhancing the well-being and QOL of patients, particularly the elderly.
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