Oral health related quality-of-life outcomes of partially edentulous patients treated with implant-supported single crowns or fixed partial dentures

BACKGROUND: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is afflicted by different variables. Limited information is available regarding the impact of different phases of implant therapy on OHRQoL of edentulous patients. This study was carried out to assess the OHRQoL of patients treated with implant-supported single crowns or fixed partial dentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 79 healthy partially edentulous subjects needing implant therapy were incorporated in this study. Before placement of the implants, the subjects were instructed to fill the original version of OHIP questionnaire. Subsequently patients received titanium oral implants of the ITI® Dental Implant System. After 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of implant placement, patients filled the same OHIP-49 questionnaire. In this manner the impact of implant therapy on OHRQoL by putting in comparison pre- and post-treatment OHIP-49 scores was assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science software (SPSS, version 22, Chicago, IL, USA). Paired t test and Unpaired t test were performed and a statistical significance was set at 5% level of significance (p<0.05). RESULTS: Functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability were significantly decreased from baseline to 1st year (p<0.05) except handicap (p>0.05). All variables were also significantly decreased from baseline to 2nd year and 3rd year (p<0.05). There were no significant differences dependent on gender with respect to OHIP (p>0.05). Patients aged less than 60 years and more than 60 years of age groups differed significantly with respect to OHIP scores measured at 1st year, 2nd year and at 3rd year of implant placement (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in pre- and post-treatment OHIP scores OHIP demonstrated the significant increase in the OHRQoL after the therapy, which suggested increased levels of patient satisfaction. Key words:Edentulism, dental implants, Oral health-related quality-of-life.