Edentulous patients' experiences with two-implant overdentures - A qualitative exploration

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Two-implant overdentures are the standard of care for edentulous patients.
• Limited research exists on patients' lived experiences with this treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gain an in-depth understanding of patient experiences with mandibular two-implant overdentures.
• To explore perspectives on transitioning from conventional dentures to implant-supported prostheses.

Main Methods:

• Interpretive phenomenological approach used for qualitative data analysis.
• Semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 completely edentulous patients.
• Analysis focused on uncovering themes from participants' narratives.

Main Results:

• Five central themes emerged: decision-making, the treatment process, life-changing improvements, prosthesis-related struggles, and long-term concerns.
• Patients reported enhanced chewing ability and social interaction.
• Challenges included prosthesis fit, maintenance, cost, and access.

Conclusions:

• Two-implant overdentures offer transformative benefits but present significant barriers.
• Incorporating patient experiences is crucial for clinical decision-making and dental education.
• Person-centered care and shared decision-making can improve outcomes for edentulous patients.