The Use of Removable Denture Associated with Quality of Life

Introduction: The level of self-perception is an indicator associated with the individual's actual health status. Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the level of self-perception of removable prosthesis users. Materials and Methods: 30 geriatric patients from Clínica Universitária Egas Moniz with need for removable denture. They were divided into two groups Acrylic Prosthesis (AP), n=16 and Prosthesis in Chrome-Cobalt Alloy (PCCA), n=14. In each group was measured self-perception Before (BD) and 6 months After (AA) denture acquisition. SPSS software was used in descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: Both groups presented a low level of self-perception (μ=29.4GOHAI) BD, and a moderate level of self-perception (μ=31GOHAI) AA. The AP group presented an average GOHAI level of 28.88values BD and 30.31values AA, whilst the PCCA group presented an average level of 30values BD and 31.79values AA. The Spearman correlation test presented a -0.245(sig.0.192) level of correlation between psychosocial and physical dimensions, -0.085(sig.0.654) psychosocial and pain dimensions BD, -0.068(sig.0.721) between psychosocial and physical dimensions and 0.184(sig.0.332) between the psychosocial and pain dimensions AA. Conclusions: The use of PCCA improved the level of self-perception on the elderly, but the use of AP didn't show statistically significant differences. Clinical implications: The existence of clinical indicators and an indicator of self- perception show a tendency that the patient has to enhance his self-perceived oral health, which in turn is a prognostic factor in the establishment-based priorities in processing the needs of our patients. Keywords: Aging, GOHAI, self-perception, oral health, acrylic prosthesis, prosthesis in chrome-cobalt alloy