Outcomes Assessment of Treating Completely Edentulous Patients with a Fixed Implant-Supported Profile Prosthesis Utilizing a Graftless Approach. Part 2: Patient-Related Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of treating completely edentulous patients with a fixed implant-supported profile prosthesis, utilizing a graftless approach, for the maxilla and for the mandible, with an emphasis on patient-related outcomes, specifically maximum occlusal force, patient satisfaction, and impact on quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with the following inclusion criteria: completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with a fixed implant-supported profile denture, utilizing a graftless approach. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were asked to participate in the study during their follow-up visits; hence, a consecutive sampling strategy was used. To measure maximum occlusal force, a digital occlusal force gauge was used. Subjects were asked to answer a paper survey distributed in the clinic. The survey contained general demographic questions, visual analog scale (VAS) categories, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14).

RESULTS: The mean VAS score was 8.9 out of a possible 10. The mean OHIP-14 score was 7.5 out of a possible 56. The mean maximum occlusal force recorded in the anterior region was 108 Ncm. The mean maximum occlusal force recorded in the posterior region was 205 Ncm.

CONCLUSION: Results indicated that patients treated with a graftless approach reported high satisfaction and impact on quality of life. Regarding maximum occlusal force values, significant differences between men and women were reported. The impact on quality of life seemed to improve when patients presented completely edentulous at the time of treatment as opposed to terminal dentition. Finally, significant positive correlations were detected between satisfaction and impact on quality of life, impact on quality of life and posterior maximum occlusal force, anterior and posterior maximum occlusal force, and complications and anterior maximum occlusal force.