Purpose: This study aimed to review published quantitative studies for evidence regarding the influence of oral rehabilitation following total or partial tooth loss on self-perceived oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Materials and methods: Three databases were searched using specified indexing terms. The reference lists of relevant publications were also searched manually. Quality of evidence was classified according to GRADE guidelines as high, moderate, low, or very low.
Results: The search yielded 2,138 titles and abstracts, 2,102 of which were of a quantitative study design. Based on pre-established criteria, the full-text versions of 322 articles were obtained. After data extraction and interpretation, 5 publications of high or moderate study quality remained. The results of these 5 studies showed positive effects of oral rehabilitation on OHRQoL. Two studies showed substantial improvements.
Conclusions: This is a relatively new field of research; there are very few quantitative studies of how patients perceive OHRQoL following tooth loss and subsequent rehabilitation. While this review indicates that treatment has positive effects on quality of life, the scientific basis is insufficient to support general conclusions about the influence of various interventions on the OHRQoL of patients who have experienced total or partial tooth loss. To achieve a more comprehensive analysis, it is recommended that future studies be based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, ie, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The follow-up period must also be appropriate for the specific intervention studied.