[Psychological aspects of post-implant patients]

The purpose of this study was to compare the expectations and emotions of patients after dental implant treatment with the clinical peri-implant findings. 96 patients treated with Brånemark implants and fixed-removable dentures in the edentulous lower jaw were interviewed in retrospective regarding their preoperative attitudes and their postoperative assessments and were examined clinically. The data of 73 patients (76%) were evaluated. While the clinical periimplant findings were comparable, the majority of these patients were satisfied with this form of oral rehabilitation. Apart from improved oral function, 90% of these patients reported a decrease in psycho-social problems. 88% of the patients felt more secure and reported a higher self-esteem. In contrast to the previous denture, the implant-anchored fixed complete prostheses were perceived rather as an own "organ" by 88% of the patients. 93% would not hesitate undergoing this procedure again, if necessary.