A survey to determine the chief complaint of edentulous patients

Abstract

Background: Replacement of the missing teeth by prosthodontics treatment is very important for the restoration of the quality
of life and restoration oral functions, masticatory ability, aesthetic, and preservation and maintenance of oral and general health.
To promote the oral health, we need to know the oral status and then importantly the needs of the patient in terms of priority.
Objective: To determine the main problem for which the edentulous patients seek their dental rehabilitation.
Materials and methods: The study was carried out in department of prosthodontics Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore, to
determine the chief complaints presented by the edentulous patients. Sample size of 265 patients was selected. A questionnaire
based Performa was developed and questions were asked from the patients. Patients were asked about the reasons for loss of
teeth and their main complaint for which they are seeking treatment.
Results: Among males 9.39 % complained about esthetics, 66.44% about mastication while 24.16% about both esthetics and
mastication. In females 19.82% complained about esthetics, 28.44% about mastication and 51.72% about both esthetics and
mastication. Conclusion: majority of the patient needed treatment for masticatory problems in which most of the patients were
male. Females were more concerned about aesthetics. Treatment should be needs based for the successful outcome and
improvement of the quality of life of the patient.