Exploring lived experiences on the usage of removable complete dentures among edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract Background Edentulism remains a major disability worldwide, especially among the elderly population, although the prevalence of complete edentulism has declined over the last decades. In Uganda, the prevalence of edentulism in people aged 20 years and above is 1.8%. The therapy for edentulous patients can be realized through the use of conventional removable complete dentures, implant-supported prostheses, and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM), however, the provision of removable complete dentures continues to be the predominant rehabilitation for edentulous patients. However, no published study has explored the lived experiences with removable complete dentures among the Ugandan population. The aim of the present study was to explore patients’ lived experiences on the usage of removable complete dentures among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach using purposive sampling. Fifteen (15) respondents were selected across social demographics. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and themes were generated to draw a deeper meaning to the usage of removable complete dentures. A qualitative statistical package, Atlas Ti software was used to generate themes from the interviews followed by an interpretation of the generated data and the results were presented as text and in a table. Results The reported key positive experiences due to removable complete denture rehabilitation were the improvement in speech, eating ability, regaining good facial appearance, better oral hygiene management, self-esteem and confidence to smile in public, and a feeling of completeness. However, respondents complained of pain and discomfort due to the looseness of dentures, inability to eat certain foods, and regular cleaning of dentures. The respondents did not go through proper informed consent processes before getting removable complete dentures. Conclusion The study found that patients were experiencing both physical and emotional challenges with being edentulous and therefore, opted for denture rehabilitation as a way of getting a credible alternative to their edentulous situation. Therefore, patients should be given quality oral healthcare that is accessible, acceptable, and cost-friendly.