Evaluation of Significant Radiographic Findings and Their Impact on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Complete Dentures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and location of positive radiographic findings in edentulous patients and to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and complacency of patients with positive radiologic findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,349 asymptomatic edentulous patients were retrospectively evaluated using a digital panoramic system for the presence of retained root fragments, impacted teeth, foreign bodies, radiolucencies, radiopacities, mental foramen at or near the alveolar crest, and maxillary sinus pneumatization. The patients with positive findings were called for a follow-up to take a new panoramic radiograph. The functional status and symptoms of participants were measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14).

RESULTS: At least one or more of the radiographic findings were observed in 35.21% of the evaluated radiographs. The most frequent finding was sinus pneumatization (20.9%). The mean total OHIP score was 9.74 ± 8.34. There was no statistically significant difference observed for gender, age, education levels, marital status, or having surgical interventions for total OHIP-14 scores (P > .05).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that routine radiographic examination of edentulous patients may not be crucial before rehabilitation, and using a total percentage of positive radiographic findings may result in the exaggeration of the disease risk in edentulous patients.