Socio-demographic Determinants of Demand for Fixed and Removable Partial Dentures

Abstract

To evaluate the socio-demographic determinants associated with fixed/removable partial denture use. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients who sought fixed partial denture (FPD) and removable partial denture (RPD) treatment over a 2 year period at University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The data of interest were age, gender, marital status, occupation and missing teeth. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Analysis was done using frequency distribution, descriptive analysis in the form of mean and standard deviation, independent t-test, cross tabulation, logistic regression and chi square with p set at <0.05  Results: Majority (77.8%) had anterior teeth missing with most occurring in the maxilla. The most frequently lost teeth were the incisors (Table 2). Less than half (40.3%) received FPD while the others had RPD. There was statistically significant relationship between gender and type of partial denture received. Higher socio-economic class was associated with receiving FPD. Using logistic regression only socio-economic status was a predictor of type of partial denture use whereas gender, marital status and age were not. Conclusion: Socio-economic status is a predictor of choice of treatment for partial edentulism.