Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare patient satisfaction levels in
edentulous patients treated with different configurations of implant supported prosthesis.
Also, the effect of previous prosthesis experience before implant treatment on patient
satisfaction was investigated.
Materials and Methods: A study population of 142 patients was identified. Patients
seperated into four treatment types. Group 1 comprised 43 patients treated with implant
supported overdenture for mandible and conventional complete denture for maxilla while
group 2 comprised 32 patients treated with implant supported overdentures for maxilla and
mandible. Group 3 comprised 26 patients treated implant supported overdenture for mandible
and fixed prosthesis for maxilla. Group 4 comprised 41 patients treated with implant
supported maxillomandibular fixed restorations. A questionnaire consisting of specific issues
about masticatory performance, pronunciation, comfort, social ability were used to evaluate
treatment outcomes.
Results: The patients in group 4 were significantly more satisfied regarding masticatory
performance than other treatment modalities. VAS scores of Group 3 and group 4 regarding
comfort and social ability were similar while scores of these two groups were significantly
higher than that of group 1 and 2. The patients who used conventional removable prosthesis
before implant treatment were more satisfied with their implant supported prosthesis
regarding social ability.(p=.03)
Conclusion: It was found that treatment design of that implant supported fixed prosthesis on
maxilla and implant overdenture on mandible provided comparable level of satisfaction with
maxillomandibular fixed prosthesis for edentulous patients. Implant supported fixed
prosthesis for maxilla and implant supported overdenture for mandible served as a practical
alternative to satisfy patients especially in patients with mandibular atrophy who would
demand extensive surgeries for maxillomandibular fixed prosthesis. Satisfaction level of
implant supported overdenture was not superior to conventional prosthesis for maxilla.
Previous removable prosthesis experience may influence social comfort of patients.