Clinical study of patients at the Department of Oral Rehabilitation from May 2017 to May 2019

Abstract

As a department specialized in treating oral dysfunction, the Department of Oral Rehabilitation was established in Osaka Dental University Hospital in May 2017. We conducted a retrospective survey of 140 patients in this new department from May 1, 2017 to May 31, 2019. The average age was 66 ± 18 years, and most were in their 80s. The main complaints were “difficulty speaking" in 30 cases, “rehabilitation after oral surgery" in 29 cases, and “difficulty swallowing" in 28 cases. The primary diseases were head and neck cancer in 39% and frailty in 20%. In terms of dental care, 69% of the respondents only received oral rehabilitation, and tongue function exercise was the most frequent in this group. Among the issues for improvement in daily function, 24% needed to increase the number of items they could eat and desired improvement in their dietary patterns. We found many patients with oral dysfunction in our department that affected their daily life. Further studies are needed in order to develop evaluation items and endpoints for life function as an outcome of oral rehabilitation. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2021; Mar; 84(1):1‐6.