Improving Oral Health-Related Quality of Life by Converting Fractured Abutment Teeth in Double Crown-Retained Removable Prostheses into Root-Anchored Ball Attachments

Purpose: To investigate changes in oral health prior to and after conversion of fractured abutment teeth in double crown-retained removable dental protheses (DC-RDPs) into root-anchored ball attachments. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients were supplied with one root-anchored ball attachment after abutment tooth fracture. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) was completed by the patients prior to and after treatment to assess changes in perceived oral health. Results: Changes in OHIP were statistically and clinically significant (28.90 points prior to treatment and 13.80 points after treatment), especially in cases with a minor number of remaining double crowns. Conclusion: The conversion of fractured abutment teeth in DC-RDPs into root-anchored ball attachments can be an effective strategy for improving perceived oral health.