Gibson B J, Baker S R, Broomhead T et al. ‘It's like being in a tunnel': Understanding the patient journey from tooth loss to life with removable dentures. J Dent 2024; 145: 104964.

A trusting dentist/patient relationship is essential.

The social and emotional impacts of tooth loss are complex, but are known to impact self-worth, appearance and confidence. Denture wearing has been associated with ageing and a stigmatising shame. The journey to successful denture wearing has been little studied. Using narrative interviews, targeted participant observation and a focus group, this study describes the journey to denture wearing through the phases of construction: tooth loss = trauma; impressions = entry to the emotional tunnel; try-in = light at the end of the tunnel; and fit = ready to go into the prosthetic compromise.

In constructing the denture, the dentist and the patient, together, ‘mask' the absence of teeth. If this absence is unmasked (termed professional privacy) and compromised - eg a loose or lost denture - patients tend to withdraw from social situations. The technical challenges of the denture making do not necessarily lead to good outcomes. The passing of information about denture wearing is less important than an understanding of the emotional journey the patient is travelling on.