Experiences of Fixed Oral Rehabilitation in Older Persons - Motivation, Procedural Strains and Rewarding Improvements.

BACKGROUND

Several age-related changes contribute to deteriorating oral health and risk of tooth loss, with negative effects on oral function and physical and psychological well-being. To improve these aspects, fixed oral rehabilitation can be offered and has been indicated to also positively impact biopsychosocial parameters.

OBJECTIVE

To explore how older adults with poor oral function experience their life situation, before, during, and after fixed oral rehabilitation, and their involvement in this therapeutic process.

METHOD: A qualitative interview study with explorative design included eight older adults from a large intervention study of oral rehabilitation, all ≥ 65 years with an Eichner index <B2. Data were analysed with manifest content analysis.

RESULTS

Our findings suggest that the participants had developed coping strategies regarding eating habits and experienced social detachment and emotional loneliness prior to the rehabilitation. During the oral rehabilitation, the person-centred approach by the dental team was highly valued, suggesting the need for individualized, tailored support. After completing the oral rehabilitation, a sense of relief, self-worth, satisfaction, and self-mastery were emphasised by the participants in addition to the obvious improvement in chewing ability. An unexpected finding following the oral rehabilitation was the participants' lack of post-care initiatives.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study emphasises the impact of poor oral health in older adults, also concerning their emotional well-being, before oral rehabilitation. To improve older persons' oral health and function late in life, we suggest a tailored person-centred approach during their oral rehabilitation, but also structured referral and dental care strategies post oral rehabilitation.

TRAIL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06783426.