Patient-Reported Outcomes of Dental Implants in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study on Quality of Life and...

Dental implants provide a durable solution for missing teeth and improve mastication, speech, and quality of life (QoL). However, systemic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), may affect implant success. This study evaluated patient satisfaction (PS) and QoL as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following dental implant therapy in T2DM patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Prosthodontics on 90 T2DM patients who had undergone single-unit dental implant therapy at least one year prior to the study. Data were collected using validated PROMs tools, including the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire for QoL and a nine-item PS questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including regression and mediation, were performed to identify predictors and relationships among the variables.

The study reported moderate QoL scores (mean: 2.71 ± 0.61) and high PS scores (mean: 2.96 ± 0.44). Significant predictors of QoL included sex, implant duration, and implant survival, with successful implants showing a substantial positive association. Implant survival had the strongest direct impact on satisfaction, with ceramic crowns and anterior tooth positions being associated with higher scores. Mediation analysis revealed that factors such as crown type, duration of diabetes, and tooth loss period indirectly influenced outcomes. Implant survival remains the key determinant of both QoL and PS.

T2DM patients undergoing dental implant therapy exhibit moderate QoL and high PS, with implant survival being the most critical predictor of outcomes. Additional factors such as prosthetic choice, tooth position, and systemic health also play significant roles. These findings underscore the importance of glycemic control, individualized care, and robust implant planning to optimize outcomes in T2DM patients.