Association of edentulousness and removable prosthesis rehabilitation with severity of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

CONTEXT: There are very few studies concerning the role of denture status in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and those show conflicting results. AIM: To evaluate the association of edentulousness and removable prosthesis rehabilitation with severity of TMD signs and symptoms. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Data were collected from 2000 subjects reporting for dental treatment, above 30 years of age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were interviewed with a questionnaire and clinically examined for TMD on basis of Helkimo's index. The number of existing teeth, wearing of removable dentures, need for denture repair, and age of dentures was recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The association between the TMD findings and recorded variable outcomes was analyzed by means of Chi-square test. RESULTS: Completely edentulous individuals associated more with TMD related findings in incidence and intensity than partially/fully dentate subjects. Complete denture wearers were more associated with TMD symptoms, limited mandibular mobility, muscle tenderness, and pain on mandibular movement. Partial denture wearers were more associated with severely impaired temporomandibular joint function and joint pain. Signs and symptoms of TMD were more prevalent and severe in patients who needed to get their dentures repaired, those wearing dentures more than 5-year-old, and in patients who had not got their dentures repaired during the past 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Edentulousness, complete/partial denture wearing and poor condition of the dentures associate with greater incidence and intensity of TMD associated signs and symptoms.

A study of the emotional effects of tooth loss in an edentulous Gujarati population and its association with depression.

CONTEXT: To fully estimate the burden of illness due to edentulism and establish valid treatment outcomes measures in this regard, it is equally important to study its psychosocial repercussions. AIMS: The aim was to conduct a study to explore the emotional reactions to tooth loss, screen for current depressive symptoms and test for association between the two; among an edentulous Gujarati population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 147 edentulous people visiting the Prosthodontics Department were surveyed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire (based on previous studies) to test the emotional reactions to tooth loss and Nine Item-Patient Health Questionnaire to test for depression were used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed using the Chi-square (χ (2)) test with the help of SPSS v. 18.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: Totally, 100 out of 147 edentulous people returned the questionnaire of which 58% experienced difficulties in accepting tooth loss and 37% felt unprepared for its effects. Those with difficulties accepting tooth loss had a greater effect on self esteem and social life, had more reservation about discussing tooth loss and was more likely to experience depression. Both groups were satisfied with dentures, had no problem meeting their friends or partners without dentures and leaving out dentures at night. CONCLUSION: About 58% of edentulous people had difficulties accepting tooth loss, which was unrelated to denture satisfaction. Respondents appeared to be restricted in social activities mainly due to functional limitations. Those with difficulties accepting tooth loss were more likely to experience depression.

Perceptions of Private Dental Practitioners of Specialist Prosthodontic Dental Services in Gujarat: A Survey.

To identify the perceptions towards and utilization of specialist Prosthodontic services among Private Dental Practitioners (PDPs) of Gujarat state. To study the influence of presence or absence of a Prosthodontic post graduate course during the PDP's dental education and years of experience in practice on the decisions to treat Prosthodontic cases themselves or to utilise Prosthodontic speciality services. A postal questionnaire examined by a panel of Prosthodontists, piloted on 15 PDPs, was sent to 150 randomly selected private dental practitioners of Gujarat state. The collected data were subjected to descriptive and Chi-square statistical analysis. Though 78.64 % dentists considered the treatment provided by the Prosthodontist to be effective, only 34.95 % of them availed their services. 33 % PDPs without a Prosthodontic post graduate course in their institute were significantly more likely to refer patients to a Prosthodontist. Years of experience had no influence on utilization of Prosthodontic speciality service. 18.44 % PDPs had a Prosthodontic speciality clinic in their region, 65.04 % did not have, whereas 11.65 % were not aware of such clinic. PDPs have high regards for the Prosthodontic speciality but their reported demand was less as compared to other specialities indicating a need for the Prosthodonitst to put in efforts to make the PDPs aware of their services.