OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aimed: 1. to determine major CRD complaint causes, 2. to examine CRD related complaints association with demographics and CRD characteristics.
METHODS: Data from 271 individuals referred to the complaints clinic at Université de Montréal were collected from 2006 to 2008 using the Prosthodontics clinical complaint form. All prostheses were made by undergraduate students supervised by qualified clinicians or prosthodontists. Causes of complaints and their association with demographic factors, types of prostheses, as well as the suggested treatment or complete re-treatment were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistical tests. Odd's ratio (95% confident interval) was calculated to measure the strength of association.
RESULTS: Overall, 61% of complaints were attributed to women. Complete dentures (CD) represented 52% of CDR related complaints, with the majority for CD on both arches. There were no complaints regarding maxillary partial dentures opposing complete mandibular dentures. Causes of complaints included: fractures (31%), ulcerations (19%), non-retention (15%), masticatory problems (12%), non-adaptation (7%), esthetic problems (6%), and two or more of the above (10%). Only 21 % of complaints needed complete re-treatment. There was no association between frequency of complaints and patient gender (p=0.87). There was a significant association between type of worn CRD and causes of complaints (P=0.02, Odds Ratio=2.0, CI 1.1 to 3.6) as well as type of treatment and type of worn CRD (P=0.001).
CONCLUSION: Identifying patients' CRD complaints allows clinicians to meet their needs and expectations. Current knowledge of incidence and types of CRD complications in University-based clinics should be reviewed periodically and included in undergraduate dental curricula. This information will ultimately aid clinicians and students in determining and applying appropriate evidence for personalized patient care.