[The elderly and the relationship between denture problems and visits to the dentist: an exploratory study]

Seventy-five percent of the Dutch elderly population has full dentures. Despite the fact that many have problems with their dentures, demand for care is low. This explorative study focuses on the individuals' own explanation of this phenomenon. Thirty-one persons over 55 years of age participated. The data were obtained from content-analysis of taped interviews. Most respondents with serious complaints did not consider the possibility of the dentist contributing to the solution of their problems. Some respondents did not see the dentist after loosing their last natural teeth. Others stopped seeking care convinced that further treatment could not solve their problems. In the case of old dentures a psychological process of adaptation to slowly developing problems inhibits the demand for care. Some implications of these findings are briefly discussed.