Effect of implant therapy on oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-49), health status (SF-36), and satisfaction of patients with several agenetic teeth: Prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Effect of fixed prosthodontics on patients with several agenetic teeth is not well understood.

Purpose: To assess the effect of implant-based fixed prosthodontics on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), general health status, and satisfaction regarding dental appearance, ability to chew and speech in patients with several agenetic teeth.

Materials and methods: For this prospective cohort study, all patients (≥18 years) with several agenetic teeth who were scheduled for treatment with fixed dental implants between September 2013 and July 2015 at our department were approached. Participants received a set of questionnaires before and 1 year after implant placement to assess OHRQoL (OHIP-NL49), general health status (SF-36), and satisfaction regarding dental appearance, ability to chew and speech.

Results: About 25 out of 31 eligible patients (10 male, 15 female; median age: 20 [19;23] years; agenetic teeth: 7 [5;10]) were willing to participate. Pre- and post-treatment OHIP-NL49 sum-scores were 38 [28;56] and 17 [7;29], respectively (P < .001). Scores of all OHIP-NL49 subdomains decreased tool, representing an improved OHRQoL (P < .05) as well as that satisfaction regarding dental appearance, ability to chew and speech increased (P < .001). General health status did not change with implant treatment (P > .05).

Conclusions: Treatment with implant-based fixed prosthodontics improves OHRQoL and satisfaction with dental appearance, ability to chew and speech, while not affecting general health status.

Keywords: dental implants; fixed prosthodontics; hypodontia; oral health-related quality of life; patient satisfaction.