Removable partial dentures: Patient satisfaction and complaints in Makkah City, KSA

OBJECTIVE: To assess the satisfaction level and complaints among patients using different types of removable partial dentures (RPDs) in Makkah city, KSA. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 551 patients who had received RPDs between February and December 2015 were contacted by telephone. One hundred patients responded, and 60 of them agreed to participate in the study. The participants were asked two questions to determine their satisfaction level and complaints with RPD usage, eating, communication, and aesthetics. Data were analysed statistically by chi-square, analysis of variance, and Scheffe's tests. RESULTS: Of 60 patients, 35% were very satisfied, 21.7% were satisfied and 23.3% were nearly satisfied. However, only 20% were not satisfied. There were no significant differences in mean RPD satisfaction among different age groups and between sexes (P > 0.01). There was a significant difference in satisfaction among RPD type (P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were recorded between either metal and acrylic, or acrylic and flexible RPDs (P < 0.01). As many as 26.7% of respondents complained of aesthetic problems, 16.7% complained of pain during mastication, 10% complained of gag reflex, and 8.3% complained of phonetic problems. However, the majority of respondents (38.3%) had no complaints. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients were satisfied with the quality of removable partial dentures treatment in Makkah city hospitals. Oral rehabilitation with RPDs should be applied with care when patients have high aesthetic demands.