Oral Health–Related Quality of Life among Dental Implant Patients in Relation to Temporomandibular Joint Function

Abstract

Background: The placement of dental implants may enhance the oral health–related quality of life, which may influence temporomandibular joint function. Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare dental implant patients with partially and fully dentate patients in terms of oral health–related quality of life related to temporomandibular joint function. Materials and Methods: Ninety dental implant patients aged 50–60 years were included in the study, with 90 patients from other two groups who were matched in age and gender. For evaluation of oral health–related quality of life, Arabic version of Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index was utilized. In order to define the occurrence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders among patients, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index was used. To analyze the data, SPSS 22 (Chicago, IL, USA) was employed. Results: Data revealed that the mean values of oral health–related quality of life and its three domains were higher among the fully dentate group than the other groups with a statistically significant difference. A similar picture was observed regarding the temporomandibular joint function. The mean values of oral health–related quality of life were decreasing significantly with increasing severity of temporomandibular disorders among the partially edentulous group. The same figure found concerning the three domains; however, the significant decreasing was found for physical domain only. Conclusion: After receiving oral implant therapy, the quality of life in relation to dental health had increased. The temporomandibular problems have an adverse effect on the dental health.