Improvement In Oral Health-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

Can narrow-diameter implants enhance patient-reported outcomes for mandibular implant-retained overdentures?

A systematic review and meta-analysis. To evaluate and compare stability and functionality between narrow and standard implant-retained mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients from multiple perspectives. Assessments included clinical parameters [survival rate (SR) and marginal bone loss (MBL)], along with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including patient satisfaction and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The study protocol followed PRISMA criteria for reporting reviews and meta-analyses. Using appropriate keywords, electronic search was conducted in each of the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus, up to July 22, 2022. There were no restrictions based on language, publication type, or publication date. Additionally, ongoing studies were explored in ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP, while cross-references in each selected study were manually examined. The eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing narrow implants (diameter ≤ 3.5 mm) to standard implants (diameter > 3.5-4.5 mm) retaining mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients. Excluded were studies with unclear implant diameter information, fewer than 5 patients per group, observational studies, reviews, and laboratory studies. Two authors independently conducted study selection, data collection, and analysis, resolving any discrepancies through discussion with a third author. Methodological quality was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. Implant SR and MBL measurements at final follow-up were recorded, while patient satisfaction and OHRQoL were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS-100) and oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire, respectively. After duplicate removal, 782 publications and 83 registered clinical trials were identified, of which 26 were eligible for full-text assessment. Ultimately, the quantitative evaluation included 12 publications from 8 independent studies: 4 parallel design RCTs and 4 CCTs. Risk of bias assessment revealed variations among the studies, with only one study being rated as having low risk. The follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 3 years. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in SR and MBL between narrow and standard implant groups (p = 0.29 and p = 0.93, respectively), with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 100% and I2 = 78%, respectively). Regarding PROMs, the narrow implant group showed significantly higher levels of patient satisfaction (mean difference (MD): 8.18; 95% CI: 5.83 to 10.53; p < 0.00001; I2 = 36%) and exhibited a significant improvement in OHRQoL (MD: -4.36; 95% CI: -6.83 to -1.89; p < 0.001; I2 = 55%) compared to the standard implant group. For implant-retained mandibular overdentures, the use of narrow implants is associated with comparable SR and MBL, along with higher patient satisfaction and better OHRQoL improvement as compared to standard implants, offering a viable alternative option for patients with diminished alveolar bone width.

Immediate versus early loading of immediately placed bone-level tapered dental implants with hydrophilic surface in full arch maxillary rehabilitation: A pilot randomized clinical trial with 2-year follow-up.

This study aimed to compare implant stabilities between the immediate and early loaded, immediately placed bone-level tapered dental implants in the maxilla and to evaluate marginal bone loss (MBL), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and patient satisfaction at a 2-year follow-up. A pilot, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted on 24 maxillary failing dentition patients. The bone-level tapered implants of 12 patients were immediately loaded with temporary restorations, while the other 12 patients did not receive any kind of temporization. Implant-supported screw-retained complete porcelain-fused-to-metal prostheses were delivered to all patients in the seventh postoperative week. The insertion torque values of implants assigned to the immediate and early loading groups were 33.0 ± 4.87 and 29.26 ± 8.31 Ncm, respectively. The dynamics of implant stability changes from implant placement up to a 2-year follow-up were similar for both groups (Penguin®, p = 0.268; Ostell®, p = 0.552), while the MBL was at submillimeter level. The cumulative implant survival rate was 91.80% for immediately loaded implants and 97.22% for early loaded implants, without significant difference (p = 0.162). The total score on the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire significantly decreased over time in both groups, indicating improvement in OHRQoL (p < 0.001), and the high level of patient satisfaction remained after 2 years of function regardless of a loading protocol. Both loading protocols, immediate and early, of six immediately placed bone-level tapered dental implants are an adequate treatment choice for fixed rehabilitation of the maxillary failing dentition.

Effects of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment on oral health-related quality of life and masticatory ability of patients with head and neck tumors.

Using multivariate analysis, this study investigated the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment in relation to oral health-related quality of life (OHR-QoL), masticatory ability (food intake status score and gum-jelly test score) and related factors in patients who had undergone surgery for head and neck tumors. The study cohort comprised 112 patients who underwent surgical resection and prosthetic treatment among 224 patients with head and neck tumors seen at the Maxillofacial Prosthetics Clinic of Tohoku University Hospital in a 2-year period. Correlations between OHR-QoL, food intake status score, and gum-jelly test score (criterion variables), and age, sex, maxillary defect, tongue/soft tissue defect, reconstructive surgery, and chemoradiotherapy (explanatory variables) were investigated, and the data were examined statistically. Maxillary defect, tongue and soft palate tissue defect, and chemoradiotherapy were identified as factors that hindered the effectiveness of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment for improvement of the OHR-QoL, food intake status score, and gum-jelly test score. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery was a factor that facilitated the improvement of OHR-QoL and masticatory ability with maxillofacial prosthetic treatment. The factors identified to be related to the success or failure of maxillofacial prosthetic treatment suggest the importance of combining prosthetic intervention with surgical reconstruction.

Impact of orthodontic treatment on OHRQoL of adolescents: a longitudinal study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which orthodontic treatment need is perceived by the patients and by the orthodontist, as well as the possible impacts on the OHRQoL (Oral Health-Related Quality of Life) over the course of conventional orthodontic treatment in adolescent patients. The sample consisted of 55 adolescents. The perception of patients and orthodontists relative to the malocclusion was evaluated by the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). The OHRQoL was evaluated by the Child-OIDP (Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances) questionnaire before the conventional orthodontic appliance was bonded (T0); and at the following time intervals: after one week (T1), one month (T2), three months (T3), six months (T4), and after the end of orthodontic treatment (T5). Adolescents who had large orthodontic treatment needs had a poor OHRQoL, according to their self-perception (p=0.003) and according to the orthodontist's perception (p<0.001), when compared with patients with small and moderate needs. There was statistically significant difference in the OHRQoL between the time intervals T0 and T1 (p=0.021), T2 and T3 (p<0.001), T3 and T4 (p=0.033), and T0 and T5 (p<0.002). At the end of treatment, all evaluated participants reported an improvement in OHRQoL. It was concluded that adolescents and orthodontists agreed with regard to the perception of orthodontic treatment need. In the first week and in the first month of orthodontic treatment, there was a negative impact on the OHRQoL. After three months, an improvement of OHRQoL was detected, which has progressed over time.

Changes in the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life of Thai patients with oral lichen planus after topical corticosteroid treatment: a 1-month longitudinal study

BackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral cavity that affects many patients’ daily living activities. Topical corticosteroids are the first-line drug for treating OLP. The Oral Impact on Daily Performances index (OIDP) is an Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) measure developed to assess the ultimate impacts. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical, pain and OHRQoL responses after treating OLP patients with topical corticosteroids for 1 month, and secondly to assess the relationships of changes in the clinical sign score, pain score, and OHRQoL.MethodsSeventy-two OLP patients were treated by topical corticosteroids based on their dentists’ clinical judgments. Clinical and patient-based outcomes were assessed at baseline and follow-up visit. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the highest and total Thongprasom sign score. Patient-based outcomes were evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS) and OIDP. The self-rated overall changes in quality of life during the 1-month treatment period using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) were also recorded at the follow-up visit.ResultsThis study comprised 59 women and 13 men. All clinical and patient-based outcomes were significantly reduced after 1-month treatment with topical corticosteroids (P < 0.01). The most commonly affected activities were Emotional stability, followed by Eating and Cleaning the oral cavity. Forty-six percent reported the same or up to moderately improved, while 54% had a greatly improved quality of life as assessed by PGIC. There were no significant differences in the improvement of clinical and patient-based outcomes between these groups. There were significant relationships between the differences in the highest Thongprasom sign score and the differences in total Thongprasom sign score (r = 0.293; P < 0.05), and the differences in total OIDP percentage score and the difference in pain score (r = 0.427; P < 0.001). The differences in the total Thongprasom sign score also significantly related to the difference in the total OIDP percentage score (r = 0.335; P < 0.01).ConclusionsTopical corticosteroids were significantly effective after 1-month treatment of OLP based on the clinical and patient-based outcomes. The OHRQoL improvement was significantly related to the reductions in pain and clinical severity.Trial registrationThe trial was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR identifier: TCTR 20221110001).

Immediate Versus Conventional Loading of Two-Implant Overdenture with Magnetic Attachments: A 5-Year Follow-Up on Patient-Reported Outcomes

Comprehensive, long-term studies on patient-reported outcomes for two-implant overdentures with magnetic attachments using immediate or conventional loading methods are lacking. This study aimed to provide 5-year follow-up data comparing patient-reported outcomes for mandibular overdentures supported by two implants with magnetic attachments under immediate or conventional loading. Nineteen edentulous mandible patients were randomly assigned to immediate (IG) or conventional loading groups (CG). Two implants were placed with prostheses, loaded on the same day (immediate) or three months later (conventional). Participants completed questionnaires (oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), patient general satisfaction, and patient’s denture assessment (PDA)) at baseline and yearly intervals for 5 years. Results showed no significant differences between IG and CG throughout the study. However, the within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in OHRQoL, patient satisfaction, and all PDA domains from the baseline to years 1–5. Regarding patient satisfaction, significant differences were observed between T1, T2, and T3 when compared with T0 of IG and T1-T0 of CG. Regarding PDA results of T4-T5, IG exhibited several significant differences compared to CG. In conclusion, this study suggests that two-implant overdentures with magnetic attachments, whether immediately or conventionally loaded, improve patient-reported outcomes. Immediate loading may have prolonged effects on the improvement of patient-reported outcomes.

Does orthodontic treatment improve the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life when assessed using the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire-a 3-year prospective longitudinal cohort study.

To assess the change in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) following orthodontic treatment using the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ) and to test the responsiveness of MIQ to treatment-associated changes. A longitudinal prospective cohort study, in an orthodontic postgraduate centre, Kerala, India. Patients under 18 years were invited to complete the MIQ before the start of treatment (T0) and 1 month after treatment completion (T1). TheIndex of Orthodontic Treatment Need and Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) scores were assessed at both time periods as well as a global transition judgement at T1. Two hundred and ten participants were recruited and 162 completed both questionnaires (45.1% males; 54.9% females; age = 12-18 years, mean = 16.8; SD = 1.7). There was large reduction in MIQ scores from T0 (mean = 28.1, SD = 6.1) to T1 (mean = 3.7, SD = 2.6). 53% reported a large improvement in oral health and related life quality after treatment, 32% minimal change, and 15% no change. None reported worsening in OHRQoL at T1. There was a significant positive correlation between change in MIQ score and change in PAR score (r = 0.358), pretreatment aesthetic component (rho = 0.467) and dental health component (rho = 0.491) of the index of orthodontic treatment (IOTN-DHC), and treatment time (rho = 0.502). Regression analysis revealed the change in PAR score and pretreatment IOTN-DHC to be independent predictors of change in MIQ score. Standardized effect size (4.0) and standardized response mean (2.9) were large and the minimal important difference was 7.7. Receiver operating characteristic analysis reported a high diagnostic accuracy of MIQ. There was a significant improvement in OHRQoL following orthodontic treatment when assessed using a condition-specific measure for malocclusion. MIQ was found to be responsive to changes associated with orthodontic treatment.

Evaluation of Change in Quality of Life, Dental Fear and Dental Anxiety in Young Children Following Full-mouth Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia for Early Childhood Caries.

To evaluate the change in quality of life, dental fear, and dental anxiety in young children following full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for early childhood caries. About 200 children who were diagnosed with early childhood caries requiring full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia were recruited after obtaining parental consent. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Dental fear was evaluated using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale and dental anxiety was evaluated using the Facial Image Scale. Scores were taken on the day of intervention, and after 14 days when the child reported for posttreatment follow-up. All 200 participants returned for a follow-up visit after 2 weeks. The child impact section was reduced from 15.7 ± 4.1 to 7.7 ± 1.9 after treatment. The family impact section was reduced from 9.6 ± 2.7 to 3.5 ± 2.6 after treatment. A statistically significant difference was seen in both sections when pre-and posttreatment values were compared (p < 0.001). The total ECOHIS showed statistically significant improvement as the pretreatment score of 21.6 ± 9.5 reduced to 11.2 ± 4.2 showing 51.9% improvement in OHRQoL after full-mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia was done (p < 0.001). Dental fear and anxiety among the participants showed a statistically significant reduction after treatment was done and most participants were found to be less fearful of doctors, dentists, and injections after treatment. Full-mouth rehabilitation was found to be a reliable treatment modality to improve the OHRQoL of children suffering from early childhood caries. Significant improvement was seen in the OHRQoL within 2 weeks after treatment and most participants were found to be less anxious and fearful toward dentists and dental treatment. Comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia has been proven to be an effective treatment modality for early childhood caries and a productive treatment technique to reduce dental fear and anxiety.

Clinical and patient-centered outcomes following rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous maxilla using six implants placed simultaneously with bilateral maxillary sinus augmentation: A retrospective case series

ObjectivesTo evaluate treatment success, patient satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) after rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous maxilla (AEM) with six implants placed simultaneously with bilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). Materials and methodsThe selected patients were fully edentulous with atrophic maxillary posterior residual ridges and rehabilitated with six implants placed simultaneously with bilateral MSFA and immediate All-on-4 provisional fixed prosthesis (PFP). After 7–12 months of implant surgery, all patients have received an All-on-6 definitive fixed prosthesis (DFP). After at least one year of function with DFP, clinical and radiographic examinations were performed. Patient satisfaction was assessed through a visual analog scale (VAS). The OHRQoL before treatment (T0), during provisional (T1), and after definitive prosthesis (T2) was evaluated using OHI-14. Results20 maxillary edentulous patients were rehabilitated with 120 implants, 20 immediate All-on-4 PFP, and 20 All-on-6 DFP. Of those, 12 patients have passed at least a year follow-up after DFP insertion and were eligible to be included in the assessment of treatment success. After a mean of 20 (12–36) months follow-up, the implant and prosthesis survival rates were 100%. The success rate at the implant level was 98.6%. The mean marginal bone loss (MBL) was 0.09 ± 0.06 mm. No prosthetic or postoperative complications, and the mean general satisfaction was (91.75 ± 7.06). There was a significant improvement in all OHIP-14 domains during the final All-on-6 prosthesis (T2) (P < 0.01). ConclusionsRehabilitation of atrophic edentulous maxilla using six implants with simultaneous bilateral MSFA and immediate All-on-4 PFP is a successful treatment approach associated with minimal postoperative complications and significant improvement in OHRQoL.

Buccally or Lingually Tilted Implants in the Lateral Atrophic Mandible: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study Focused on Neurosensory Impairment, Soft-Tissue-Related Impaction and Quality of Life Improvement.

Background and Objectives: In the severely resorbed posterior mandible, implant placement requires either bone regenerative procedures, subperiosteal implants or short implant placement with drawbacks including morbidity and increased treatment costs and duration. To overcome these inconveniences, some unconventional alternatives have been suggested, such as buccally or lingually tilted implants in the lateral mandible, bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the three-year survival rate of implants inserted in the posterior atrophic mandible, bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve. The assessment was focused on the occurrence of postoperative complications related to neurosensory impairment and soft tissue impaction, as well as overall improvement in quality of life. Materials and Methods: Patients with severe bone atrophy in the lateral area of the mandible were included in the present study. Only the implants tilted either buccally or lingually to bypass the inferior alveolar nerve were analysed. The relation between peri-implant soft tissue and the healing abutment was assessed and a secondary revision surgery was performed when indicated. The Semmes-Weinstein pressure neurological test was used for qualitative assessment of inferior alveolar nerve function and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used for evaluating Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Results: Fourteen implants were placed in nine patients during the evaluation period. Survival rate was 100%, temporary paraesthesia occurred in one patient and a limited definitive paraesthesia was seen in another patient. Mild or significant discomfort related to soft tissue impaction with healing abutment was observed in six out of nine patients. A statistically significant OHRQoL improvement was observed in all patients. Conclusions: Despite the limited number of patients and observation time, insertion of implants buccally or lingually bypassing the inferior alveolar nerve is a predictive treatment option for patients with severe bone atrophy in the posterior mandible.

Association Between Changes in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms in the Korean Elderly Population.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the association between changes in oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) and depressive symptoms in the elderly South Koreans. Methods: We used the 2018 and 2020 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing data. Our study population was a total of 3,604 participants aged over 65 in 2018. The independent variable of interest was the changes in the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index as OHRQoL between 2018 and 2020. The dependent variable was depressive symptoms in 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed the associations between changes in OHRQoL and depressive symptoms. Results: Participants with improvement in OHRQoL over 2-year period were likely to have fewer depressive symptoms in 2020. Especially, changes in the oral pain and discomfort dimension score was associated with depressive symptoms. A decline in oral physical function, such as difficulty in chewing and speaking, was also associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Negative change in OHRQoL is a risk factor for depression in elderly. This results suggest the importance of maintaining good oral health in later life, as a protective factor against depression.

Dental implant and bone augmentation treatment in bone-compromised patients: Oral health-related quality of life outcomes

Statement of problemPatient-reported outcomes represent an additional and often overlooked measure of dental implant and bone augmentation treatment. Few implant studies have evaluated patient-reported outcomes in those with systemic bone compromise. PurposeThe purpose of this cohort study was to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) outcomes in postmenopausal women receiving dental implants with normal bone density or mild osteopenia (“healthy” group; all DXA T-scores at femoral neck, total hip, and L1-L4 spine>−2.0) versus moderate osteopenia or osteoporosis (“bone compromised” group; any DXA T-score at femoral neck, total hip, or L1-L4 spine≤−2.0). Material and methodsA total of 115 patients were recruited at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine as part of a standard of care, prospective, nonrandomized cohort study. All participants received 1 of 3 bone augmentation procedures with implant placement. At baseline and at various intervals after implant placement, OHRQoL was measured by using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and surveys of patient expectations and satisfaction. These measures were compared between healthy and bone compromised groups (α=.05). ResultsFor all OHRQoL measures across linear mixed effects models, no significant differences were found between bone groups at baseline and at each time point after implant placement (P>.05). Using the minimally important difference (MID) for OHIP-14, no definitive clinical differences were found in patient outcomes between bone groups at all postimplant time points (P>.05). From baseline to 24 months after implant placement, both healthy and bone compromised groups exhibited significant improvements in OHIP-14 and patient expectations scores (P<.05). While no within group differences were found in patient satisfaction scores, the mean satisfaction score remained high over time in both groups. ConclusionsPatient-reported outcomes as measured through OHIP-14, patient expectations, and patient satisfaction surveys suggest similar postimplant OHRQoL improvement in healthy and bone compromised individuals. OHRQoL improvements between bone groups were similar both in continuity and in scope, with no evidence of statistically significant score differences between groups at 24 months after implant placement across all measures and with no definitive evidence of clinical differences as measured by OHIP-14 MID comparisons across all timepoints.

The impact of implant-retained overdentures on type-2 diabetic and non-diabetic edentulous patients: Satisfaction and quality of life in a prospective cohort study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the benefits of implant therapy for patients with diabetes, we compared (i) healthy, (ii) well controlled T2DM and (iii) poorly controlled T2DM patients, in terms of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and satisfaction with mandibular 2-implant overdentures over 12 months following restoration. Materials and methodsThis single-center, prospective, cohort study recruited 165 edentulous adults (HbA1c<12%) to receive two endosseous implants in the anterior mandible to support mandibular overdentures. Participants were enrolled as having T2DM or not, with T2DM participants divided according to HbA1c into well-controlled (<8.1%) and poorly controlled (≥ 8.1%) groups. Participants provided responses to the OHIP-20 (OHRQoL) and the McGill Denture Satisfaction Questionnaire, before implant therapy and 6 and 12 months after overdenture insertion using Locator attachments. HbA1c was measured at the same time points. The effect of groups and time was verified using generalized estimating equations (α=0.025). ResultsAt 12 months, 137 participants provided responses. The two diabetes groups showed improvements in OHRQoL to the same extent as the non-diabetic control group at both 6 and 12 months. Patient satisfaction showed similar improvements with no between-group differences and similar increases identified at 6 and 12 months. HbA1c was not affected by time or groups. ConclusionsDental implant therapy provided significant improvements in patient-perceived benefits of mandibular two-implant overdentures for T2DM individuals, which are similar to those found for healthy edentulous individuals. Importantly, those benefits extend to those individuals with poorly controlled glycaemia. The addition of 2-implant supported mandibular overdentures did not affect glycaemic status over 12 months following insertion. Clinical SignificanceAs risks for implant therapy relative to glycaemic status are better understood, this study documents that implant therapy may offer important benefits in QoL for T2DM patients independent of glycaemic status.

Outreach dental care program for older adults using residential care or day care services in Hong Kong: A cohort study.

To evaluate the effects of an outreach dental care program (ODCP) on the oral health status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of older adults who used residential or day care services in Hong Kong. Older adults who had received dental treatments provided in the ODCP were recruited. Clinical examinations were performed by one calibrated examiner (SXY) at baseline and 1-year follow-up in the residential homes or day care centres. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using the transition scale of the Oral Health Impacts on Daily Living (OHIDL) questionnaire to investigate the perceived change in OHRQoL at baseline, 2-month and 1-year follow-ups. The Wilcoxon matched-pair signed-rank test or McNemar/McNemar-Bowker test was used to explore the change in oral health status after dental treatments. Factors associated with the perceived change in OHRQoL were explored with binary logistic regression. Four hundred and thirteen older adults (mean age=83.8 years) participated in the study at baseline, and 377 (91.3%) and 359 (86.9%) were successfully followed 2 months and 1 year after receiving the outreach dental service, respectively. At the 1-year follow-up, the number of decayed teeth and functional tooth units, and the prevalence of poor denture hygiene decreased while there was more dental plaque deposition and a higher proportion of participants with gingival bleeding upon probing. More than 50% of the participants perceived no change or an improvement in OHRQoL in all domains at both follow-ups. Older adults who perceived their oral health status as 'healthy or fair' and those who suffered from toothache at baseline had a higher chance to perceive having a better or at least the same OHRQoL at the 2-month and 1-year follow-ups, respectively. The ODCP in Hong Kong can solve some of the dental problems of older adults using long-term care services and keep most of them from deterioration in OHRQoL, especially those suffering from toothache.

Converting Bilateral Free-End Removable Partial Dentures to Implant-Assisted Removable Partial Dentures Using 6 mm Short Implants: Patient-Reported Outcomes of a Prospective Clinical Study.

The study assessed oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients who received two 6 mm short implants in mandibular molar sites, converting existing bilateral free-end removable partial dentures (RPDs) to implant-assisted RPDs (IARPDs). After a postsurgical healing period of 4 months, the participants received a non-retentive dome abutment for 8 weeks, and then a retentive ball abutment for another 8 weeks. Afterwards, the participants made their final choice on which abutment to keep. The final follow-up was 1 year after implant placement. OHRQoL was evaluated with the 49-items version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) at the abutment exchanges and the final follow-up. Furthermore, numerical rating scales were used to analyze patient satisfaction after 1 year. Questionnaire data of 13 participants were evaluated. Overall, OHRQoL increased with both the dome (p = 0.02) and the ball abutments (p < 0.001), without a significant difference between the abutments (p = 0.953). The questionnaires revealed an improvement in terms of oral situation, quality of life, and masticatory capacity (all p < 0.01). Patients showed a significant preference for the ball abutments (p < 0.001). Converting RPDs to IARPDs resulted in significant improvement of OHRQoL. Patients seem to prefer retentive over non-retentive abutments, although no differences in terms of OHRQoL were observed.

Treatment of gingivitis is associated with reduction of systemic inflammation and improvement of oral health-related quality of life: A randomized clinical trial.

To compare the level of inflammatory markers, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and gingival parameters 1month after introduction of electric toothbrush and intensive oral hygiene manoeuvre adaptation (OHI) versus routine habits (no-OHI) in patients affected by generalized gingivitis. One hundred forty subjects with generalized gingivitis were randomized to receive either OHI or no-OHI. Full-mouth plaque/bleeding scores (FMPS/FMBS), serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and an oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire were collected at baseline and at 1-month follow-up visit. In the OHI, a significant FMPS and FMBS reduction (p< .01), a significant intra-group decrease in hs-CRP and IL-6 (p< .01), and a significant improvement of OHRQoL (p< .01) were noted at 1-month follow-up visit. In the no-OHI, lower-magnitude differences were noted only for oral parameters. Resolution of gingivitis varied between OHI and no-OHI (89% vs. 7%, respectively, p< .01). A logistic multivariate regression suggested that FMBS ≤8% was associated with the odds ratio of 13, having both CRP and IL-6 below the selected threshold for healthy young adults (p= .04). Gingivitis resolution determined important reductions of gingival inflammation and plaque levels, as well as systemic inflammatory markers and an improvement of quality of life (NCT03848351).

Treatment of Severe Caries and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Its Influence on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Children: A Comparative Study

Background: Treatment of oral diseases can have a long-lasting impact on a child’s life well beyond its childhood years. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of treatment on the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children with severe caries and severe molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). Methods: A total of 210 children (mean age 9 years; 49% female) with severe caries (inner third of dentin) and severe MIH (post-eruptive breakdown, crown destruction) were included in the study. Both groups were matched according to age, gender, and social status. The German version of the Child Perception Questionnaire for 8–10-year-olds (CPQ-G8–10) was used before and after treatment to analyze the impact on OHRQoL. Results: Patients with severe MIH showed a significantly higher total CPQ score (17.8 (±10.6)) before treatment compared to the caries group (13.8 (±14.3)). The mean CPQ score in all subdomains decreased significantly after therapy in the MIH group. Children with severe carious lesions had similar results except in the domain “functional limitations”, as treatment led to only minor changes (2.9 (±3.6) to 2.2 (±2.6)). Conclusions: Despite a narrower treatment spectrum, patients with severe MIH experienced a greater overall improvement in OHRQoL compared to the caries group.

Comparison of oral health-related quality of life after lower third molar extraction following preemptive administration of Traumeel S® vs dexamethasone

Purpose: To compare the effect of intramuscular administration of dexamethasone versus Traumeel S® on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars (3M). Patients and methods: A randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted. The sample was composed of 17 patients with asymptomatic bilateral lower 3M positioned as class IIB according to the Pell and Gregory classification. The patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: intramuscular dexamethasone or Traumeel S®. The OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) version 14. It was considered patients' perception regarding different quality of life dimensions, in the first seven postoperative days. Results: There was a significant OHRQoL improvement in the dexamethasone group when compared to Traumeel S® group. It was noted a significant decrease of psychological disability and psychological discomfort in patients receiving dexamethasone vs those receiving Traumeel S®. Conclusion: Intramasseteric injection of dexamethasone showed a greater improvement of the OHRQoL following 3M surgeries when compared to Traumeel S® injection.

Treatment alternatives for dry mouth: A scoping review.

Saliva is a biological fluid essential for the maintenance of a proper oral health. Its absence predisposes to differences pathologies, including dental caries, fungal infections among many others, significantly affecting the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). There is a large variety of treatment alternatives available for dry mouth, which increases constantly. Objective: To identify new treatment alternatives for dry mouth. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and Ebsco. Articles published between January 2015 and January 2020 were retrieved and reviewed by two independent evaluators. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Local therapies were the most evaluated agents, followed by systemic and non-conventional treatments. Most local therapies showed certain utility for the management of dry mouth and the improvement of OHRQoL. These formulations were mainly based on natural agents, including malic acid, thyme honey, ginger, among others. Local agents are first line treatment alternatives for dry mouth sensation, with a reported efficiency that varies between studies, and with a low number of reported adverse side-effects. Nevertheless, care must be taken when interpreting these results, as is difficult to compare studies within each other due large heterogeneity in study design and outcomes being measured. Key words:Xerostomia, dry mouth, hyposalivation, saliva, mouth dryness.

Assessment of Impact of Prosthodontic Intervention on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life among Post COVID-19 Mucormycosis Affected Individuals in Central India

Introduction: The currently prevalent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has amounted to various co-morbid conditions amongst patients and mucormycosis has been one among them. A globally emerging disease, this requires aggressive surgical treatment that necessitates due prosthetic rehabilitation. Aim: To assess the impact of prosthodontic intervention on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) through Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire in post COVID-19 mucormycosis affected individuals. Materials and Methods: The following study was a questionnaire-based prospective interventional study. The study population included post COVID-19 mucormycosis affected individuals who sought prosthodontic therapy for rehabilitation from the month of April 2021 to October 2021. The study instituted the questionnaire amongst 48 consenting participants. The OHIP-14 questionnaire was validated in their native languages and data was collected before and one month after prosthodontic intervention. Data was statistically analysed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: For all the individual questions, OHRQoL impact showed a significant decrease following prosthetic intervention (p-value &lt;0.05). Total OHIP score also showed a significant decrease post-treatment (p-value=0.001). Conclusion: Percentage improvement of OHRQoL ranging from 34.79% to 59.86% post prosthodontic intervention was observed. Thus, the impact of prosthodontic therapy among post COVID-19 mucormycosis affected individuals on the OHRQoL of the patient is positively significant.