Prosthetic hygiene and functional efficacy in completely edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life during a 5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare satisfaction with function and hygiene maintenance in completely edentulous elderly patients rehabilitated with implant-supported fixed prostheses, overdentures, and conventional prostheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 geriatric patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (CD) patients rehabilitated with complete dentures; Group 2 (FP) patients with implant-supported fixed prostheses; Group 3 (OD) patients with overdentures. The patients responded to a questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Dental Impact Profile to evaluate satisfaction with their prostheses. Data were analyzed using ANOVA F and the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test, with significance established as P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between the three groups. For oral hygiene, the group with overdentures showed better results, and the group with fixed prostheses was more satisfied with function.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfaction among these completely edentulous patients varied in relation to prosthetic type. The level of general satisfaction among patients with implant-supported prostheses was greater than the group using conventional dentures. Patients rehabilitated with fixed prostheses enjoyed a higher level of satisfaction than patients with overdentures.