Evaluation of Satisfaction of Patients Wearing Fixed Partial Denture Coming to Khyber College of Dentistry

Abstract

Background: Patient satisfaction is an important patient-reported outcome in prosthodontic rehabilitation and reflects the extent to which functional and esthetic expectations are met. Fixed partial dentures (FPDs) remain an important option for replacing missing teeth.

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction with tooth-supported fixed partial dentures regarding mastication, speech, esthetics, and overhanging margins among patients attending the Department of Prosthodontics, Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics, Khyber College of Dentistry, from February 2023 to August 2023. A total of 246 patients aged over 18 years and under 50 years who had worn a tooth-supported FPD for at least six months were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. Satisfaction was assessed using a five-point Likert scale for mastication, speech, esthetics, and overhanging margins. The combined score was categorized from poorly satisfied to satisfied. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with statistical significance set at p≤0.05.

Results: The mean age was 30.37±7.03 years and the mean overall satisfaction score was 17.30±3.42. Overall, 200 (81.3%) participants were satisfied with their FPD, 30 (12.2%) were somewhat satisfied, 8 (3.3%) were neutral, 2 (0.8%) were not very satisfied, and 6 (2.4%) were poorly satisfied. Satisfaction was 80.4% for mastication, 77.2% for speech, 76.0% for esthetics, and 65.0% for overhanging margins. Satisfaction differed significantly across age groups (p=0.008), whereas no significant difference was observed by gender (p=0.99).

Conclusion: Most participants reported satisfaction with their tooth-supported FPDs, particularly regarding mastication, speech, and esthetics. Overhanging margins showed comparatively lower satisfaction. Age was associated with satisfaction, while gender was not. Attention to prosthetic design, marginal adaptation, functional performance, esthetics, patient counselling, and follow-up may help improve patient-reported outcomes.

Keywords: Fixed partial denture; patient satisfaction; mastication; overhanging margins