Exploration of post-insertion challenges edentulous patients present to dental practitioners during removable complete denture rehabilitation in Makerere University Dental Hospital in Uganda

Background Edentulism in a major global burden that contributes to disability and impairment. Globally, edentulous patients frequently receive removable complete dentures (RCDs) and though crucial, effective adaptation is still difficult. RCD remains a preferred treatment modality for edentulous patients worldwide. The frequency of full edentulism varies both within and between countries. In Uganda, 1.8% of people aged 20 years and above are edentulous. Despite advances in dental technology and material science, the successful adaptation of RCDs remains a challenge for both patients and dental professionals. Our present study aimed to explore the post-insertion challenges patients presented to dental practitioners during their rehabilitation with removable complete dentures in Makerere University Dental Hospital.

This was a qualitative study using a phenomenological technique and purposive sampling to select 25 participants. After obtaining institutional review board approval and written informed consent, semi-structured in-depth and key informant interviews of dental practitioners were conducted and the data were analyzed thematically.

It was revealed that patients with RCDs commonly reported substantial post-insertion challenges like pain and discomfort, drooling, difficulty speaking, eating, oral hygiene and salivating. Patients’ confidence and self-esteem were severely influenced by their displeasure with the way their dentures looked. Furthermore, patients frequently had denture instability. In addition, patients received helpful post-insertion advice that emphasized the significance of oral health education and support from dental practitioners. This advice included instructions on denture cleaning, maintenance and adaption.

The present study identified several post-insertion challenges faced by patients after receiving RCDs. It is important to provide integrated support for patients and practitioners to enhance effective RCD therapy. Competing Interest Statement The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests. Funding Statement The author(s) received no specific funding for this work. Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The study protocol was approved by Makerere University School of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Reference Number: MAKSHSREC-2023-486) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (Reference Number: HS3092ES). The administration of the Makerere University Dental Hospital granted permission to conduct the study. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes Footnotes Emails: DN: nndvd45{at}gmail.com, CMR: charles.rwenyonyi{at}mak.ac.ug, IO: okulloisaac{at}gmail.com, MA: mathias.akugizibwe{at}mrcuganda.org, GB: bagendagm{at}yahoo.com Data Availability All relevant data are within the manuscript and its supporting information file.