title: Variables affecting denture satisfaction in Israeli elderly: a one year follow-up.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate patient satisfaction with complete dentures after one year of use and several potential mitigating factors in Israeli elderly. Eight-four patients who were 54 years of age or older and who were rehabilitated with complete dentures were recalled for examination 12-15 months later; 84.5% (n = 70) were interviewed and reexamined by calibrated examiners who judged all prostheses to be clinically acceptable. The mean age of participants was 71.90 years and two-thirds were females. Over 73% reported that they wore their dentures "always." Nearly 79% indicated that they were pleased with their denture appearance. Difficulties were reported by 28.2%, while 46.5% reported difficulties with chewing. Chewing problems were significantly related to swallowing problems (P < .001); food enjoyment "as much now as you did five years ago" (P < 0.001); difficulties speaking (P < 0.05); and "having sores under your dentures" (P < 0.01) which affected 28.2% of the survey group. Married elderly expressed higher satisfaction with denture comfort as compared to "single" patients, and patients suffering from any systemic chronic diseases were more dissatisfied with appearance. A summary satisfaction scale of 7 items was constructed (Cronbach alpha reliability 0.6834) and logistic regression performed to identify key model variables for overall satisfaction. Stat sign findings included: 1) immigration year; 2) neurological or psychological disorder; and 3) age. The model correctly classified 92.75%. Findings suggest that a variety of factors may influence denture satisfaction. Gathering detailed information by means of a questionnaire before new denture fabrication may be an important tool for the dentist in predicting and consequently enhancing patient satisfaction with complete dentures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Hebrew University, Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mersel
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Babayof
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Berkey
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D003824:Denture, Complete / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data