The Patient Journey: From Tooth Loss to Denture to Adaptation

<p dir="ltr">This presentation was part of a Haleon sponsored symposium at the IADR 103rd General Session in 2025 which included four presentations. The presentation outlines the patient's journey from tooth loss to adapting to life with dentures, framing it as a dynamic, psycho-socio-emotional experience rather than a purely clinical one. The research, a collaboration involving Queen's University Belfast, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Lincoln, was funded by Haleon. It highlights that while approximately 19% of the population wears dentures, little is known about their personal experience. The study conceptualizes the adaptation process through four distinct phases: "Tooth Loss," "The Emotional Tunnel," "Prosthetic Hope," and "Prosthetic Compromise". This journey is influenced by the emotional impact of tooth loss and the process of accepting the new denture. The emotional dimension is presented not as a side effect, but as a central element determining the success of the adaptation.</p><p dir="ltr">The four phases detail the patient's progression through this significant life change. The journey begins with "Tooth Loss," described as a hugely traumatic and humiliating experience. This leads into the "Emotional Tunnel," a period where the trauma can impair the patient's ability to engage with and understand their dentist. A turning point occurs during the "Prosthetic Hope" phase, often at the denture "try-in" appointment, which brings a sense of optimism. The final phase, "Prosthetic Compromise," involves integrating the dentures into daily life. This stage is not about achieving perfection but finding an acceptable level of comfort and functionality, which requires significant personal effort, adaptation, and the management of daily realities like cleaning and eating. Ultimately, successful adaptation leads to a "new status quo" of restored confidence and improved quality of life.</p>