The Influence of Immediately Loaded Basal Implant Treatment on Patient Satisfaction

BACKGROUND: Improving patient satisfaction and quality of life is of great importance when considering the different prosthetic treatment options for patients with severely resorbed residual alveolar ridges. We aimed to evaluate and compare patients' satisfaction when changing from fixed, removable, and/or conventional implant prostheses to basal implant-supported prostheses. METHODS: Sixty patients with a history of fixed, removable, and/or conventional implant prostheses who received basal implant-supported prostheses (BCS®, IHDE Implant System) were included in this study. Direct interviews were conducted using a four-section questionnaire that covered sociodemographic data, clinical examination, information on previous prostheses, and new implant information. The obtained data were statistically analysed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and chi-squared test. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly female, partially edentulous, and aged between 40 and 59 years. Patients' general satisfaction with basal implants was very high (7.7 out of 8). Patients' satisfaction with comfort, mastication, speech, and aesthetics significantly improved with the new basal implants. Males aged between 40 and 59 years and patients who had previously used both fixed and removable prostheses were generally the most satisfied. Although some patients had complaints, they still had high satisfaction and would choose the same treatment modality again. CONCLUSIONS: Basal implant-supported prostheses have a positive impact on oral health and highly increase patients' satisfaction.