ORAL HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND ESTHETIC OUTCOMES IN SINGLE ANTERIOR MAXILLARY IMPLANTS

Abstract

Purposes: The aim of this study is twofold: to assess the esthetic outcome of single dental implant restorations in the anterior maxillary area after up to 3 year of function, and to evaluate the relationship between the esthetic outcome and oral health-related quality of life. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients who were treated with an anterior maxillary single implant restoration were recalled for esthetic outcome evaluation using pink and white esthetic scores (PES/WES). All patients completed a questionnaire regarding satisfaction of treatment outcome and quality of life related to the implant restorations. Patient satisfaction was assessed by visual analog scales (VAS) analysis, whereas oral impact on daily life performances (OIDP) was used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. Results: The esthetic outcome assessed by PES/WES showed favorable results. The mean PES/WES scores was 15.65±1.66 (maximum possible score = 20). The mean PES score and WES score was 7.50±1.05 and 8.15±1.09, respectively. Patient satisfaction rated in VAS scale ranged from 8 to 10. OIDP assessment showed an impact on daily life performance in 45% of patients. The most common impacts were eating (n = 5) and cleaning teeth (n = 4). No significant difference in PES/WES scores was found between the patients who perceived and did not perceive oral impacts. There were four subjects with an excellent score (PES/WES = 17-20) who reported a moderate intensity of impact. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study exhibited a satisfactory outcome of anterior single implants at a follow-up period up to 3 years. None of the implants was rated below the clinically acceptable level. There was some discrepancy between the dentist’s evaluation and patient’s perception. An impact on daily life may be seen in the patients with excellent esthetic outcome of single implant restoration. However, a strong positive satisfaction was reported from all patients.