title: Decision processes preceding full mouth extractions.
abstract: Full mouth extraction is the final step in a continuous process in which not only dental but also social processes play a role. In a research project concerning the reasons for full mouth extractions in The Netherlands, it was found that over one-third of the patients had considered full mouth extractions at least once before, and 16% considered it frequently over a period of many years. Anxiety was the most important reason for not visiting a dentist. In the patients' view in 86% of the cases they were the initiator of the decision to have all their teeth extracted. According to the dentist the patients initiated full mouth extraction in 70% of the cases. Dentists and patients agreed that irregular attenders more often took the initiative than regular attenders. Most patients (87%) had discussed the decision to have all teeth extracted with one or more persons; different contacts were reported by 14% percent of the patients. According to Freidson's lay referral theory two groups could be identified: a group with a severely truncated lay referral structure and a group characterized by a more extended lay referral structure. The first group was older (46 versus 36 yr) and had a more positive attitude towards full dentures. In order to avoid problems dentists are recommended to involve (a representative of) the patient's social network when important decisions have to be taken.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001007:Anxiety; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003729:Dental Care / Q000523:psychology; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000523:psychology; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010358:Patient Participation; D012931:Social Environment; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000523:psychology*