results from the study show that patients experience emotional difficulties after losing a tooth. These include feelings of self-consciousness, shame, and fear. In addition to these emotional challenges, patients also report physical sensations such as pain and sensitivity. Furthermore, patients express concerns about how tooth loss may affect their daily life. The advancements in dental care and the increasing emphasis on maintaining a healthy smile have resulted in more people keeping their natural teeth for longer. However, this has also led to a growing number of individuals requiring restorative procedures such as crowns, bridges, and implants.Dental treatments are often out of reach for many people because of the limited availability of NHS dentists and the high cost of private dental work. For those who experience tooth loss, removable dentures are usually the only option, with about 10 to 15 percent of the population relying on them.
A recent research conducted by the University of Sheffield’s Healthy Life Span Institute and the School of Clinical Dentistry has shed light on the emotional and hidden challenges that patients face when getting dentures. This study is the first of its kind to outline the patient’s journey and how this experience can impact the overall success of the treatment.
The research discovered that patients go through four stages when considering their denture journey:
- Stage 1: Tooth Loss – This marks the beginning of the journey when patients go through the physical loss of their teeth.
- Stage 2: The Emotional Tunnel – This stage revolves around the emotional ups and downs of tooth loss. Patients may experience feelings of self-consciousness, depression, and difficulty adjusting to dentures. They may also feel ashamed, angry, or fearful, but may also experience a sense of hope.
- Stage 3: Prosthetic Hope – This stage symbolizes the hope and optimism that patients feel when considering dentures. They may look forward to restoring their smile and being able to eat normally again.
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- Prosthetic Compromise leading to managing disclosure: The final stage recognizes the fact that it takes time to get used to wearing dentures. Patients may need to adjust their expectations and figure out how to speak and eat with dentures. They may also need to develop strategies to feel comfortable telling others about their dentures.
These feelings and how dentists understand and manage them can impact patient outcomes. A dentist’s empathy during this adjustment period is crucial for successful denture use and better patient outcomes.
The study also found that wearing removable dentures can be a hidden disability for patients.Many individuals who wear dentures often feel the need to conceal them, as they may be embarrassed or worried about them coming loose. In addition to this, some patients may even avoid social situations altogether. Barry Gibson, a leading researcher and Professor in Medical Sociology at the University of Sheffield, commented on the issue, stating that tooth loss can have a tremendously traumatic impact. This study has revealed the significant challenges faced by individuals in need of partial dentures. Feelings of shame or embarrassment can greatly impact the process of obtaining and wearing dentures. Furthermore, ill-fitting dentures can make simple daily activities such as speaking, eating, and drinking extremely difficult, further complicating the situation.The effects of tooth loss on a person’s life can be so significant that it may affect their self-esteem and confidence to go out. This can have a long-lasting and devastating impact. The study’s findings on the emotional challenges experienced by denture wearers can help dentists provide better care and improve the overall experience for everyone. In collaboration with local artist Gina Allen, the research team created an art piece that represents the varied emotional experiences of denture wearers. The artwork is a collage that depicts the different journeys patients go through.From the loss of teeth to living with a denture, this project utilizes color to represent the emotional journey of each patient. It highlights the fact that every patient has a unique journey and outcome when it comes to this experience. For example, one young woman has a successful outcome, while a middle-aged man feels just okay about it. And an older woman continues to struggle with certain aspects of adjusting to her denture.
Gina Allen, the artist, stated, “I’m a visual artist with a science background and a special interest in how art can be used to explore and interpret data, often related to social and environmental themes. It seemed to me that there was such a depth and variety of individual experiences documented by the research team, this project presented a compelling challenge. It involved using the visual elements of an artwork to effectively communicate the essence of those experiences in a captivating and meaningful manner.”
This partnership has impacted the creation of a new patient survey intended to:
- Recognize Individual Needs: Customize care based on individual patient experiences.
- Enhance Communication: Facilitate open discussions between dentists and patients regarding dentures.
- Prompt Follow-Up: Identify patients in need of additional assistance.
Moreover, apart from recognizing theThe study not only addresses the emotional challenges that patients face, it also emphasizes the importance of a clinical care pathway in order to provide better support for patients. This includes focusing on improving the fit of dentures, educating patients about denture care, and addressing the shame and stigma associated with wearing dentures.
According to Mr Bilal El-Dhuwaib, Clinical Teacher in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Sheffield, this study is significant because it goes beyond the standard approach of focusing solely on numbers in dentistry. Instead, it delves into the important aspects of patients’ emotions and experiences. By understanding the psychological and social impact of tooth loss and replacement, the research sheds light on the need for a more holistic approach to dental care.The toolkit is a valuable resource for dentists to understand and address the emotional challenges that patients face during the tooth replacement process. By providing dentists with these tools, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to tooth replacement. The research team is looking for additional funding to validate the questionnaire and create a comprehensive clinical pathway for denture care. This pathway is designed to improve patient outcomes and address the hidden struggles of denture wearers.
