Analysis of Satisfaction Levels in Completely Edentulous Patients Treated with Different Configurations of Implant- Supported Prostheses.

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare patient satisfaction levels in edentulous patients treated with different configurations of implant-supported prostheses as well as previous prosthesis experiences before implant treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A study population of 142 patients was identified and separated into four treatment groups: group 1 comprised 43 patients treated with an implant-supported overdenture in the mandible and conventional complete denture in the maxilla; group 2 comprised 32 patients treated with implant-supported overdentures in the maxilla and mandible; group 3 comprised 26 patients treated with an implant-supported overdenture in the mandible and a fixed prosthesis in the maxilla; and group 4 comprised 41 patients treated with implant-supported maxillomandibular fixed restorations. Questionnaires asking about masticatory performance, pronunciation, comfort, and social ability were used to evaluate treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

The patients in group 4 were significantly more satisfied regarding masticatory performance than other treatment modalities. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for comfort and social ability were similar in groups 3 and 4 and significantly higher than those in groups 1 and 2. The patients who used a conventional removable prosthesis before implant treatment were more satisfied with their implant-supported prosthesis regarding social ability (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment design of an implant-supported fixed prosthesis in the maxilla and implant overdenture in the mandible provided a comparable level of satisfaction with maxillomandibular fixed prosthesis for edentulous patients. This combination served as a practical solution especially for patients with mandibular atrophy who would require extensive surgeries to support maxillomandibular fixed prostheses. In the maxilla, patient satisfaction with an implantsupported overdenture was not superior to that with a conventional prosthesis. Note that previous removable prosthesis experience may influence social comfort for patients.