A new clinical approach to the problem denture patient.
Dentists should consider the diagnosis of depression, which has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the success of denture therapy. Patients who are depressed are rarely aware of the existence of depression. The dentist is responsible to elicit the information that confirms or rules out the diagnosis of depression. Proper referral of these patients will not only enhance the success of denture treatment but will improve the patient's quality of life, which is the foremost goal in patient care.
Rich
B M
BM
Department of Dentistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y.
Kabcenell
J L
JL
D000368:Aged; D003778:Dentures; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis