Prosthodontic Management With a Metal Denture Engraved With Laser QR Code

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Global dental councils mandate denture marking for unique patient identification.
• Traditional denture marking methods vary based on prosthesis and technique.
• Alzheimer's disease patients may experience sensory deficits affecting denture comfort and identification.

Observation:

• An elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease reported a lack of thermal sensation (hot/cold) with their existing acrylic denture.
• The patient's acrylic denture base was replaced with a metal denture.
• The palatal region of the new metal denture was laser-sintered with a QR code linked to an Aadhar card.

Findings:

• The laser-sintered QR code on the metal denture provides access to the patient's personal details upon scanning.
• This innovative marking technique facilitates rapid and reliable identification of the denture and patient.
• The metal denture design addresses the patient's sensory complaints.

Implications:

• This case report introduces a novel, efficient, and secure method for denture identification.
• The integration of QR codes offers a scalable solution for patient identification in dental prosthetics.
• This approach enhances patient safety and care, particularly for individuals with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's disease.