Purpose: The aim of this cross over study was evaluation of patient satisfaction and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) for implant supported mandibular overdentures with locator attachments in patients with resorbed ridges
Materials and methods: Six participants (3 males and 3 females) with total maxillary and mandibular edentulism who complained from lack of retention of old mandibular dentures due to ridge resorption received new conventional dentures. After 3 months adaptation period, 4 implants were inserted between the 2 mental foramina of the mandible using one stage non submerged delayed loading approach. After 3 months of integration period, dentures were connected to the implants with Locator attachments. Patient satisfaction was measured using patient satisfaction questionnaires and oral health related quality of life was measured using oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Measurements were made after 3 months of using conventional dentures (control group) and implant overdentures (study group).
Results: Regarding VAS questionnaires, test group showed significant higher general satisfaction, satisfaction compared to natural teeth, satisfaction with retention, stability, occlusion, speech, mastication, prosthesis is a part of patient, and lack of embarrassment compared to control group. Regarding OHIP-14, test group showed significant less pain and more comfort on eating, less self-consciousness, and less sensation of tense, more satisfaction with food and less interruption of meal, more ability to relax and less embarrassing, less irritation with other and more satisfaction with life generally and less difficulty in function well than control group
Conclusion: Implant supported mandibular overdentures with locator attachments are recommended for patients with atrophied mandibular ridges as they significantly improve patient satisfaction and quality of life compared to conventional dentures.