The impact of complete dentures on the quality of life in the dimension of oral health of patients receiving services at Donchedi Hospital, Suphanburi Province.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of complete denture wearing on oral health–related quality of life among patients receiving services at Don Chedi Hospital, Suphan Buri Province, and to examine factors associated with complete denture use. This research employed a cross-sectional analytical study design. Data were collected via telephone interviews from 243 participants who had received complete dentures. Research instruments included a general information questionnaire, denture usage assessment, and the Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, logistic regression, utility analysis and independent t-test.The results revealed that the majority of participants 84.8% were still using their complete dentures, and overall oral health–related quality of life was very good, with a mean utility score of 0.9153 (SD = 0.11433). The most common problems reported were the need to select or avoid certain foods 58.0%, difficulty in chewing 41.6%, and loose dentures 30.0%. Psychosocial impacts were reported at a very low level. Factors significantly associated with utility scores were type of health insurance (p = 0.024) and duration of denture use (p = 0.011), while other factors showed no significant associations.In conclusion, wearing complete dentures has a positive effect on oral health–related quality of life, particularly in the psychosocial domain. However, some practical challenges in denture use remain. Therefore, continuous promotion of denture care and follow-up are recommended to improve effectiveness and enhance patients’ quality of life.