Patients' expectations before and evaluation after dental implant therapy.

BACKGROUND

Patients' expectations may influence their satisfaction with implant treatment, but there is a paucity of reports comparing patient expectations and their posttreatment satisfaction.

PURPOSE

The aim was to compare patients' expectations before with their satisfaction regarding function and esthetics after dental implant therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty volunteers (49 years ± 11.45) answered a questionnaire about influencing variables and underwent an initial examination followed by implant therapy. Their expectations regarding esthetics and function were verified on a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment. The VAS was also used for posttreatment completion rating.

RESULTS

The average ratings for esthetic and functional expectations were 5.0 ± 2.6 and 5.0 ± 3.0; the posttreatment completion ratings were 9.1 ± 1.1 and 9.0 ± 1.7, respectively. The posttreatment completion ratings significantly exceeded expectations (p < .001, Wilcoxon test). Positive correlations were found between expectations and posttreatment completion ratings for esthetics (Spearman's rho = 0.496, p < .001) and function (Spearman's rho = 0.706, p < .001). An inverse correlation was found between age and functional expectations (Spearman's rho = -0.313, p = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' posttreatment completion ratings significantly exceeded their initial expectations. Expectations and posttreatment completion ratings were irrespective of smoking habits, location in the jaw, sex, or educational level.