Patient‐reported outcomes following dental implant rehabilitation according to reason for missing teeth: A survey from a Norwegian population 8 years following treatment

Abstract

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to assess patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) 8 years after dental implant rehabilitation in a sample with tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP) and a sample with missing teeth for other reasons (MTOR).Materials and MethodsThe Norwegian National Insurance Scheme registry of subsidized dental implant therapy was searched, and patients (n = 3083) rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014 were mailed a questionnaire. PROs were described by relative frequencies, and the TLP and MTOR subsamples were compared using chi‐square test. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate variables potentially predicting PROs.ResultsOf the respondents (n = 1299), more than 90% were partly or fully satisfied with the treatment outcome. Complications were reported by 44.2%. Patients who lost teeth due to periodontitis (n = 784) reported greater oral function improvement and better pre‐treatment information, and were more likely to experience complications when compared with patients who lost teeth for other reasons (n = 515). Age, level of education, self‐funded cost, pre‐treatment information, history of complications and the reason for missing teeth were found to predict PROs.ConclusionsIn a Norwegian population rehabilitated with dental implants in 2014, satisfaction with the treatment outcome and the aesthetic outcome was high, irrespective of the reason for missing teeth. Self‐report of complications and lack of pre‐treatment information were the strongest predictors of inferior patient satisfaction and also predicted inferior oral function.