Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL), denture satisfaction, and masticatory performance in edentulous patients provided with mandibular implant-supported overdentures (ISODs) retained with telescopic attachments and those of conventional complete dentures (CCDs). Peri-implant soft tissue changes were also evaluated at various intervals during a 1-year observation period.
Materials and methods: Participating patients received new CCDs and later received two mandibular interforaminal implants and had their mandibular CCDs converted into ISODs with telescopic attachments. Questionnaires were used to assess OHRQoL (Shortened Oral Health Impact Profile-14, Malaysian version) and denture satisfaction at different stages of treatment with CCDs and ISODs. Objective masticatory performance with the CCDs and ISODs was recorded with a mixing ability test. Evaluations were carried out at 3 months with the new CCDs, 3 months after mandibular ISOD provision, and 1 year after receiving the ISOD. Peri-implant parameters were additionally assessed at specific intervals during the treatment period. The data obtained were statistically analyzed and compared.
Results: In the 17 patients who completed the protocol, significant improvements were observed in OHRQoL and patient satisfaction when CCDs were modified to ISODs, after 3 months, and at 1 year. Significantly better mixing ability with the ISOD was noted, with the highest values observed at 1 year. Statistically insignificant differences were observed for all the peri-implant parameters, except for gingival recession, for which significant changes were observed 6 months after ISOD delivery (values had stabilized by 1 year).
Conclusion: Telescopic crown attachment-retained mandibular ISODs improved OHRQoL, dental prosthesis satisfaction, and masticatory performance compared to CCDs. Peri-implant soft tissue response and implant stability were found to be favorable after 1 year.