Refusal of implant supported mandibular overdentures by elderly patients

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00348.x Refusal of implant supported mandibular overdentures by elderly patients Objective: The aim of this study was to gain greater in‐depth understanding of why elderly patients who are currently dissatisfied with conventional dentures decline implant treatment. Background: There is strong evidence from high‐quality randomised controlled trials to support the use of implant‐supported overdentures for the restoration of the edentulous mandible. However, whilst recruiting for randomised clinical trials, researchers have found that a high proportion of potential subjects decline participation, despite the removal of financial constraints. Materials and methods: The study adopted a qualitative approach to provide a rich and deep understanding of people’s reasons for refusal. Data were collected through focus group interviews in a two‐centre study based in Montreal, Canada and Newcastle, UK. A semi‐structured interview schedule was used and iteratively developed as analysis identified themes from previous focus groups. Transcripts of focus groups were coded and emergent themes determined. Results: Two main themes emerged; patients’ fear and anxiety (relating to the pain of surgery, complications of the procedure and immediate post‐surgical denture use), and the appropriateness of the procedure in an elderly person. Conclusions: Fears of pain, complications and social embarrassment, exacerbated by age, are important factors that help explain refusal of implants by elderly patients.