Patient satisfaction with implant-supported prostheses

Forty-six female patients participated in a survey study to assess the relative health status impact of implant-retained oral prostheses and conventional complete dentures. They completed a structured questionnaire based on three valid and reliable treatment outcome measures: the Dental Functional Status Index (DFSI), the Rand Mental Health Index (MHI), and elements of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). The implant patients were associated with significantly better characteristics in areas of oral mechanical ability, signs and symptoms, and eating. A favorable tendency emerged with respect to communication, self-care, psychosocial functioning, and role performance. The data demonstrated that for some patients there are clinically important, pervasive advantages of implant therapy, in terms of improved physical, psychologic, and social functioning. The results supported the usefulness of self-report, dentopsychosocial indicators to assist in defining treatment needs, evaluating quality and consequence of care, and addressing cost-benefit issues.