The psychological and functional effectiveness of intra-oral prostheses in cancer patients

Date
1997
DOI
Authors
Al-Abbasi, Hala Kh
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Rehabilitation after the treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and/or combination therapy) for head and neck cancer is complicated and frequently requires the efforts of many disciplines including social service, psychiatry, prosthodontics, surgery, speech therapy and dietetics. However, the use of an oral prosthesis is considered to be the first step in patient rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of intra-oral prostheses on the oral function and psychological welfare of patients who have undergone radical treatment for head and neck cancer. Forty-one patients who received prosthodontics treatment at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine for maxillofacial defects resulting from head and neck cancer were evaluated by means of questionnaires sent by mail. The questionnaire contained items which focused on speech, swallowing, chewing and emotional health. Different variables were tested such as age, sex, marital status, income, dental insurance, medical insurance, type of treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or combined treatment), time of wearing the intra- oral prosthesis and type of prosthesis (complete or partial, upper or lower). Wearing an oral prosthesis was statistically significant with the improvement of speech and chewing functions, but not with swallowing. Patients who can speak and eat better with intra-oral prostheses psychologically can do better. Also age, sex, marital status, income, dental insurance, medical insurance, type of treatment and time of wearing the intra-oral prosthesis are not statistically significant with speech, chewing and swallowing functions. Comparing complete and partial prostheses,partial denture obturator prostheses improved speech and eating better than complete denture obturator prostheses. Overall, the use of an oral prosthesis contributed to an improvement in the quality of life for these patients.
Description
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Thesis (D.Sc.D.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, 1997 (Dental Public Health).
Includes bibliographical references: (leaves 38-42).
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This work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact open-help@bu.edu.