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.