Abstract

GUTIERREZ YUT, Berta Lidia. Educational intervention concerning the attitude of geriatric patients facing the pain caused by dental prosthesis. Rev Ciencias Médicas [online]. 2013, vol.17, n.5, pp.13-24. ISSN 1561-3194.

Introduction: the emergencies are those affections resulting in pain and causing complications which require the urgent need of care of the prosthesis professional. Fractures of dental apparatus, ulcers due to traumas, muscular spasms as a consequence of wrong made dental devices, can lead to disorders in teeth, mucosa, muscles and pain. Objective: to determine the level of information regarding the use, care and attitude facing the pain caused by dental prosthesis in old patients. Material and method: a study of community intervention was carried out with adult people older than 60 years from January to October 2010. The target group was comprised of individuals older than 60 years belonging to “Manuel Piti Fajardo” outpatient clinic, 637 in total, and the sample included 98 old people of both sexes. The variables were: sex, educational level, need of dental prosthesis, type of prosthesis, knowledge concerning oral health and attitudes to face the pain caused by dental prosthesis. Results: at the beginning of the program the level of information in the majority of the elderly, regarding oral health and mouth hygiene, was deficient. At the end 63,3% of the elderly showed a good mouth hygiene, 95% had a correct response concerning pain, and demonstrated knowledge acquisition after the application of the program. Conclusions: the application of the program generated a positive impact, achieving changes in the behavior to face the pain caused by dental prosthesis.

Keywords : Aged; Toothache; Dental prosthesis.

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