Illuminating stages of tooth loss to recovery
Researchers may have developed a better understanding of the stages in a patient’s journey from tooth loss to the use of dental prosthetics, according to a study published in the Journal of Dentistry.
In the study, the researchers interviewed and directly observed 20 patients who received dentures within the past five years and 13 patients who were receiving treatment for new or replacement dentures. They also led a focus group to examine the patients’ journeys.
The patients related the experience of tooth loss to being in an “emotional tunnel” in which they were tasked with taking control and managing disclosure of their dentures. The researchers found that the try-in stage may present physicians with opportunities to communicate information about dentures and continued care plans.
The researchers suggested that an integrated framework may help detail the patients’ journeys from tooth loss to dental prosthetics as well as aid physicians in treating patients.
Read more: Journal of Dentistry
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