New research has shed light on the emotional challenges and struggles faced by patients transitioning from tooth loss to living with removable dentures, highlighting the need for empathetic dental care.
The study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, underscored the importance of understanding the patient's emotional journey to improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.
Key Findings:
The study identified four distinct stages in the patient journey:
- Tooth Loss: The initial physical loss of teeth.
- The Emotional Tunnel: A period marked by emotional challenges, including self-consciousness, depression, and anxiety, along with some optimism.
- Prosthetic Hope: The optimism and anticipation felt when receiving dentures.
- Prosthetic Compromise and Managing Disclosure: The adjustment phase where patients learned to manage the practical and social aspects of living with dentures.
"Tooth loss can be traumatic," a lead researcher stated. "Feelings such as embarrassment or shame can significantly affect the process of having dentures made and fitted. If they didn’t fit properly, everyday activities like speaking, eating, and drinking became challenging, affecting a person’s quality of life and confidence to leave the house."
The Hidden Disability of Denture Use:
The study also found that wearing removable dentures could be akin to a hidden disability. Many patients felt the need to conceal their dentures due to embarrassment or fear of them falling out, often leading to social withdrawal and a decrease in quality of life.
Artistic Collaboration:
In a unique collaboration, the research team partnered with local artist Gina Allen to create a visual representation of the patient journey. The resulting artwork used color to depict the varied emotional experiences of denture wearers, highlighting the individual nature of each patient's journey.
Improving Patient Care:
The study's findings suggest the need for a more empathetic approach in dental care. By understanding the emotional difficulties faced by patients, dentists could improve the support provided during the transition to dentures. This included better communication, tailored care plans, and follow-up support to ensure successful adjustment to dentures.
"This study is important because it goes beyond the typical numbers-driven approach to dentistry by looking at crucial aspects of patients' emotions and lived experiences. By understanding these challenges, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to tooth replacement," noted a researcher.
Future Directions:
The research team is seeking additional funding to validate a new patient questionnaire and develop a comprehensive clinical pathway for denture care. This pathway aims to improve patient outcomes and address the hidden struggles faced by denture wearers.
This study was funded by global consumer health company Haleon.