Patient Perspectives on Immediate Zirconia Implant Therapy: Results from a Long-term Multicenter European Study

This multicenter study investigated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following immediate placement of zirconia dental implants. Fifty-four patients from Austria, Spain, and Germany received 272 implants and completed the PROM questionnaires before implantation (T0) and at the time of definitive prosthetic restoration (T1). Patient experiences were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) across the following 5 domains: functional limitations, psychological discomfort, physical pain, physical and social disability, and handicap. The follow-up duration was 8.1 ± 1.5 years, with a 100% implant survival rate. Overall patient satisfaction rate improved from 77.88% at T0 to 94.99% at T1 (P < .0001). Significant correlations were observed between higher VAS scores at T0 and clinical variables, such as implant diameter, number of implants placed, use of augmentation procedures, and loading timing. Qualitative differences between the participating countries were also noted, with Spanish patients reporting the most significant reduction in VAS scores from T0 to T1. This study highlights the importance of integrating PROMs in implant dentistry to address the efficacy-effectiveness gap and support a value-based care model. The results demonstrated high long-term patient satisfaction and acceptance of immediately placed zirconia implants in diverse clinical settings.