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

The two-implant overdenture is widely recognized as the minimum standard of care for completely edentulous patients. However, limited research has explored patients' lived experiences with this treatment. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of individuals treated with this modality.

An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed to explore participants' perspectives. Completely edentulous patients treated with a mandibular two-implant overdenture opposing a maxillary complete denture at McGill Dental Clinic, Montreal, Canada, were interviewed in semi-structured, open-ended, face-to-face sessions. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis to uncover key themes grounded in participants' narratives.

Twelve participants took part who were previously recruited into a clinical trial. Five central themes were identified related to their experiences and perspectives: (1) Choosing Change: the decision to transition from conventional dentures to implants; (2) Enduring the Process: undergoing the implant procedure and healing process; (3) Experiencing the overdenture as a life-changing improvement; (4) Facing struggles with the prosthesis, including fit and maintenance; and (5) Navigating long-term challenges and concerns.

The findings offer a deeper understanding of the complex experiences of living with mandibular two-implant overdentures. While the treatment was often viewed as transformative-enhancing chewing ability and social interaction,barriers such as cost, access, and long-term maintenance remain significant. This study highlights the value of incorporating patients' lived experiences into clinical decision-making and dental education. Greater emphasis on person-centered care and shared decision-making may improve treatment uptake, satisfaction, and outcomes for edentulous individuals considering this standard of care.