Assessment of Dental Implant Patient Quality of Life over Ten Years at a University Dental College

Assessment of Dental Implant Patient Quality of Life over Ten Years at a University Dental College
(March 10-13, 2004)
M. ROSS, M.B. KODWEIS, C.A. WATKINS, and C.M. STANFORD, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
IADR/AADR/CADR 82nd General Session
Quality of Life (QOL) is critical to understanding long-term outcomes of implant care. Objectives: To analyze the survival rate (implant present) and Quality of Life issues in a University patient population over ten years. Methods: A 10 year retrospective analysis (1991-2001) of dental implants (Nobel Biocare, 3i, ITI Straumann, Astra Tech) placed at the College of Dentistry was conducted. 300 subjects were randomly selected (30/y) who had implants placed from 1991 to 2001. A calibrated implant-oriented survey instrument based on the mini-OHIP scale was developed. Data was collected on survival parameters (e.g., status of the implant(s) placed, removal date, reasons for removal, prosthesis type). 300 questionnaires were mailed with 128 received (42% response) followed by a phone contact. 85 respondents were female and 43 male. Age varied as 20 respondents were between the age of 17-46, 18 between 47-57, 40 between 58-67, and 44 were older than 67. Results: Restorations included 28% crowns, 12% bridge, 41% denture,15% unsure. 98% of the implants were present in the mouth. Two implants were lost, one was due to infection, the other due to looseness. 96% of respondents were extremely satisfied (p<0.001) with their implants and 98% would recommend them to a friend. QOL parameters indicated 74% had an increased ability to chew, 2% decreased, 20% had no effect. 91% reported no problems with phonetics while the most difficult sounds to pronounce were s, sh, st, th, z, and c. 22% of respondents worried about dental problems and 67% of these believed dental implants are the cause for their worries. 89% felt comfortable with the appearance of their implants, teeth and mouth. Conclusions: A randomized QOL survey of patients treated at a dental clinic indicated the majority of patients were satisfied with the esthetic, phonetic and masticatory function of their implant supported prosthesis.