Oral Health–Related Quality of Life and Full-Arch Immediate Loading Rehabilitation: An Evaluation of Preoperative, Intermediate, and Posttreatment Assessments of Patients Using a Modification of the OHIP Questionnaire

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients before, during, and after completion of implant-supported full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation according to the Columbus Bridge Protocol. Twenty-five patients with compromised dentition were rehabilitated according to the Columbus Bridge Protocol and were assessed for OHRQoL using 4 questionnaires specifically designed for this study and inspired by the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire. Patients assessed themselves before surgery, during the healing period (1 week and 2 months after surgery), and after definitive prosthodontic treatment (4 months after surgery). The questionnaires specifically investigated patients' pain, comfort, home oral hygiene habits, satisfaction related to esthetics, masticatory ability, phonetics and general satisfaction with the treatment. Patients reported an improvement of OHRQoL after full-arch immediate-loading rehabilitation. A statistically significant improvement in esthetics and chewing ability was found. After 4 months 92% of the patients did not feel tense about their smile, 96% did not indicate problems relating to other people or smiling, and 92% did not have difficulty eating some foods. Phonetics were a critical issue, especially in the intermediate phase of healing. One week after surgery, the percentage of patients who were very satisfied with phonetics slightly decreased from 48% to 36%. The assessment of patients' OHRQoL related to full-arch immediate-loading implant therapy exhibited a significant improvement in quality of life. The questionnaires herein presented could be an effective tool to evaluate patients' reaction to oral rehabilitation.