The outcome of in vivo use of Equator attachment systems with implant-supported maxillary overdenture on patients’ satisfaction and biochemical measuring of MMP-8

Abstract

Background: Management of completely edentulous dental patients with compromised oral condition has become a prime concern for dental professionals. Treating patients who were edentulous with an overdenture supported by osseointegrated implants and retained by small diameter attachment system is a highly valuable rehabilitation treatment for older adults. Purpose: To evaluate patients’ satisfaction by oral health–related quality of life who received maxillary implant–assisted overdentures (MIAO) constructed with OT-Equator attachment clinically as well as biochemical measuring of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in the peri-implant soft tissue. Material and Methods: This study included 25 patients rehabilitated with MIAO with OT-Equator attachments that screwed to the abutments and mandibular removable partial denture restoring up to second premolars. Biochemical evaluation of collagenase-2 (MMP-8) in peri-implant soft tissue was carried out using sandwich enzyme immunoassay–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Then oral health impact profile index was used as a shortened 14-item questionnaire to evaluate the impact of oral health on the quality of life. Results: Collagenase-2 (MMP-8) in the peri-implant sulcular fluid revealed a statistically significant difference in different periods (F = 56.649). Five domains showed a statistically significant improvement at 5% level (functional limitation [P = 0.001], physical pain [P = 0.037], psychological discomfort [P = 0.007], physical disability [P = 0.010], and psychological disability [P = 0.016]) except domains regarding social disability and handicap that showed no significant improvement. Five of the seven domains of the oral health related quality of life (OHIP-14) questionnaire showed a statistically significant improvement at 5% level (functional limitation [P = 0.001], physical pain [P = 0.039], psychological discomfort [P = 0.007], physical disability [P = 0.010], psychological disability P = 0.017]). Conclusion: Results showed that the patients with MIAO were satisfied with their oral health–related quality of life. Expectable and encouraging treatment outcomes among elderly patients in severe situations with bone deficiency in the maxilla can be achieved with OT-Equator attachments. Biochemical analysis of collagenase-2 (MMP-8) was a potential host marker for the condition of peri-implant tissue as it could prevent failure of dental implant.