Abstract:

Over the years, removable complete dentures (RCDs) have been used to treat edentulous patients to enhance their ability to eat and communicate well and improve their facial appearance. Patients’ awareness of complete dentures is the first step toward better treatment outcomes. This study aimed to explore patients’ knowledge and perceptions of prosthodontics treatment with removable complete dentures in Makerere University Dental Hospital, Uganda. The study used a qualitative design to explore patients’ knowledge and perceptions of prosthodontics treatment. A total of fifteen participants were purposively selected and interviews were audio-recorded and later transcribed and translated into English. Data analysis involved reading transcripts, categorizing the data, and developing themes and sub-themes to explain the patterns in the data. Regarding their knowledge about complete denture treatment, participants said that they were aware that denture treatment was a procedure for replacing teeth although they expressed concern about the costs involved. Regarding participants’ perceptions of complete denture treatment, they reported mainly about the perceived benefits and how these motivated them to go ahead with the procedure. They anticipated things like the restoration of beauty, being able to communicate freely, eating more comfortably and improving oral hygiene. The study found that the majority of respondents had some good perceptions and knowledge of denture rehabilitation-related subjects, especially considering the variety of fixed and removable prosthodontics options available.

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