Patient satisfaction after insertion of an osseointegrated implant bridge

The general and specific satisfaction of patients treated with a jawbone-anchored bridge was compared with their pretreatment satisfaction with dentures (condition 1, n = 31). Patients who asked for information on the osseointegration method but did not apply for treatment (condition 2, n = 32), and a group of patients that did not ask for information (condition 3, n = 10) were also questioned on their satisfaction with dentures. The results indicated that condition 1 subjects were both socially and physically substantially more satisfied with their bridge than with their earlier dentures. On all satisfaction measures condition 3 subjects indicated more satisfaction with dentures than either condition 1 or condition 2 subjects. There were no significant differences between the three groups on several personality characteristics (neuroticism, test-taking attitudes, internal/external control). Condition 3 subjects were less extrovert (socially oriented) than the other subjects. Condition 1 subjects made several suggestions towards improvement of the pre- and post-operation phase, concerning the amount of pain involved and the cleaning of the bridge, etc.