Evaluation of possible reasons for not opting for fixed dental prosthesis: Patient and Practitioner Perspective

Abstract

With recent trends towards oral hygiene practices, the need for prosthetic rehabilitation has increased. There has been an increased spread of knowledge regarding the same as well as an increase in treatment options for the same. Epidemiological studies have shown that the anterior mandibular teeth usually are retained for the longest period, and the canines are the most persistent. Prosthetic rehabilitation of extracted teeth is important, and the choice of appropriate prosthesis is even more critical. There has been an increasing trend in the usage of removable options. The study aims to assess the different reasons to opt for a removable prosthesis than a fixed prosthesis. Retrospective data of 186 patients were obtained and segregated. Inclusion criteria included that they should be between 18 – 40 years, undergone removable denture therapy and should have visited during the period of the study. The data were tabulated, and the same was analyzed using SPSS by IBM version 20. The frequencies and cross-tabulations were performed, followed by correlation and association using the chi square test to check the correlation between the different variables. The results, thus obtained, were analyzed. Males (54.8%) undergo removable therapy more than females. Most common arch is upper arch (59.1%), the most common reason is to use a temporary denture (37.6%) Correlation seen between Arch and reason for not opting for FPD (p <0.05). The present study has revealed a lacuna in knowledge among patients and practitioners—further studies and programmes to be done to improve knowledge and help society.