Abstract
Background: Changes in oral health like tooth loss can have a profound effect on the patients’ quality of life. The condition of relative or complete toothlessness exerts negative effects on chewing, speech, and appearance of the individual. The high capability of dental implants in restoring the beauty and oral function of the patients has led to their widespread usage. This study aimed to compare the quality of life of the toothless patients before and after treatment with implant.
Methods: In the present study, 50 patients afflicted with complete or relative toothlessness were examined. Before completing the questionnaires, all participants were asked to complete and sign the consent form of the questionnaire from Oral Impacts on Daily Performance) OIDP). The questionnaires were completed before receiving the implant coating, and a month after the delivery of the patients’ prosthesis. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney, and McNemar.
Results: In this study, 50 patients with the mean age of 46.84±11.87 years were investigated. As for the gender and marital status of the participants, 50% (25 patients) were male and 84% (42 ones) were married. According to the data obtained from the OIDP questionnaire, the most significant changes were detected in eating, smiling, laughing and showing teeth without discomfort and speaking clearly, respectively. Moreover, a significant difference was found between the total score of oral effect on daily activities and some levels included in disruption questionnaire on daily activities such as eating, speaking clearly, going out, sleeping, relaxation, smiling, enjoying communication with others, job-related activities, as well as emotional conditions (Irritability); however, no significant difference was found between cases of cleaning teeth and light physical activity.
Conclusions: According to the data from OIDP questionnaire and the study results, implant had favorable effects on the quality of life of the patients. However, long-term studies and follow-ups are necessary to determine other possible favorable effects of implant treatment.