Evaluation of the Efficacy of Mandibular Conventional and Implant Prostheses in a Group of Turkish Patients: A Quality of Life Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) in a group of patients using mandibular complete dentures, implant-retained overdentures, removable partial dentures (RPDs), or implant-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs). A total of 116 patients (aged 36 to 81, mean age 58 ± 10.03 years) were assigned to four groups (n = 29) and treated with mandibular implant-retained overdentures, implant-supported FPDs (two implants/three unit FPDs), conventional complete dentures, or RPDs. The groups were well matched in terms of gender, age, and the edentulous period. All patients had edentulous maxillary arches and completely or partially edentulous mandibles. All prostheses were mandibular prostheses. The OHIP-14, OHQoL-UK, and SF-36 surveys were used to determine QoL before implant surgery and 1 year after prosthetic treatment. The baseline and 1-year data from 116 patients were analyzed. A significant improvement was found among the QoL scales for all groups (p < 0.05). The most significant improvement was found in the implant-retained overdenture group (15.67 ± 2.47), while the least improvement was found among the implant-supported FPD group (5.14 ± 2.08). The SF-36 test revealed no differences between the before and after treatment scores for general health, pain, vitality, social function, and physical function difficulties (p > 0.05). The only significant difference was found for mental health (p = 0.011). A positive influence on oral health-related QoL was observed in all groups. The QoL values were the most improved in the implant-retained overdenture group.