Background

Research has shown that health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) decreases when patients have their teeth extracted and that fixed denture replacements can improve it. This study investigates if the type of the underlying support, whether implant or natural teeth, can influence the OHRQoL in patients received three-unit or four-unit porcelain fused to metal (PFM) bridge.



Methods

A cross-sectional study was ethically approved and 167 participants with three-unit or four-unit bridges received on implants and on natural teeth were recruited to take part in the study. OHRQoL was determined using the validated Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Information regarding demographics, medical conditions and tooth brushing habits were also obtained through structured questionnaires.



Results

One hundred and three participants responded to the questionnaire in this study with 61.7% response rate. The OHIP-14 median total score for the implants group was 6 (Range=0-26, 95% CI=6-10), and for the natural teeth group was 4 (Range=0-24, 95% CI=4-8). Both groups reported good OHRQoL after receiving fixed-bridge restorations, with better impact been reported by the group with the natural teeth support, however, no statistical significant difference detected in comparison to the implants group.



Conclusions

Both bridge types in this study appear to have equal impact on the OHRQoL since no statistically significant difference in OHIP-14 scores between the groups was identified. Therefore, one can conclude that the type of underlying support for fixed bridge whether implant or natural teeth, does not impact on the overall OHRQoL of the patient receiving the treatment.