Ten years of patients' experiences with fixed implant-supported prostheses

This study investigated patients' perceptions of fixed implant-supported prostheses (ISP) in totally edentulous jaws in order to obtain a broader base for patient information.

A total of 135 patients who had received prosthetic rehabilitation treatment responded to a questionnaire on oral functions, speech, oral self-care, esthetics, lifestyle changes and self-confidence, oral comfort, and overall satisfaction with ISP. The patients also listed positive and negative experiences with the ISP.

Most patients (97%) reported overall satisfaction. Chewing ability was rated as good or very good by all but one (99.3%). Twenty-six patients (19.6%) identified bruxing and clenching habits; there were significantly younger than those free from problems. Phonetic problems were reported by 32.8% after insertion, with 18.6% (eight patients) having remaining problems after seven to 10 years. Most of the patients (87.2%) found it easy to clean the prosthesis. Improved lifestyle after ISP insertion was reported by 75% and increased self-confidence by 82% of the patients. Improvements were especially perceptible in social situations that involved conversation or eating. None of the measured variables was related to duration of having ISP.

The patients' experiences in this study lasted over a period of 10 years, thus their positive and negative aspects can serve as information support for dentistry to enable future ISP patients to make appropriate choices. The information could be made available to patients by including in a patient-targeted booklet.