Analysis of Satisfaction Levels in Completely Edentulous Patients Treated with Different Configurations of Implant Supported Rosthesis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare patient satisfaction levels in edentulous patients treated with different configurations of implant supported prosthesis. Also, the effect of previous prosthesis experience before implant treatment on patient satisfaction was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study population of 142 patients was identified. Patients seperated into four treatment types. Group 1 comprised 43 patients treated with implant supported overdenture for mandible and conventional complete denture for maxilla while group 2 comprised 32 patients treated with implant supported overdentures for maxilla and mandible. Group 3 comprised 26 patients treated implant supported overdenture for mandible and fixed prosthesis for maxilla. Group 4 comprised 41 patients treated with implant supported maxillomandibular fixed restorations. A questionnaire consisting of specific issues about masticatory performance, pronunciation, comfort, social ability were used to evaluate treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: The patients in group 4 were significantly more satisfied regarding masticatory performance than other treatment modalities. VAS scores of Group 3 and group 4 regarding comfort and social ability were similar while scores of these two groups were significantly higher than that of group 1 and 2. The patients who used conventional removable prosthesis before implant treatment were more satisfied with their implant supported prosthesis regarding social ability.(p=.03) Conclusion: It was found that treatment design of that implant supported fixed prosthesis on maxilla and implant overdenture on mandible provided comparable level of satisfaction with maxillomandibular fixed prosthesis for edentulous patients. Implant supported fixed prosthesis for maxilla and implant supported overdenture for mandible served as a practical alternative to satisfy patients especially in patients with mandibular atrophy who would demand extensive surgeries for maxillomandibular fixed prosthesis. Satisfaction level of implant supported overdenture was not superior to conventional prosthesis for maxilla. Previous removable prosthesis experience may influence social comfort of patients.