Immediately loaded full arch implant rehabilitation and oral health‐related quality of life: A retrospective cohort study from primary dental care

Abstract

AbstractAimsThis study evaluates patient‐centered outcomes in patients undergoing full‐arch rehabilitation, with immediate loading of implants. Using the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire pre‐and post‐treatment, it assesses the hypothesis that immediate full arch loading significantly improves quality of life.MethodologyA dataset was defined as: 20 consecutive patients from a research database who had undergone IFAL surgery (maxilla, mandible, or both) and definitive restoration by a single clinician, and completed the OHIP‐14 questionnaire prior to treatment and after restoration.ResultsPre (T0) and post (T1) treatment questionnaires were analyzed from 20 consecutive patients in whom a total of 160 implants were placed. The mean T0 score was 26.7, and mean T1 score 4.6. Differences were statistically significant (p = 0.00008). Greatest improvements were seen in psychological discomfort and disability, and pain. Worsening quality of life was shown by questions relating to speech in six patients and taste in three patients.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that overall IFAL significantly improves tooth‐related quality of life. It suggests reasons for patients to seek treatment while providing evidence to manage expectations, such as possible implications on speech, thus supporting informed consent of future patients in a primary care setting.