Comparison of the impact on quality of life of immediate versus delayed implant placement supporting immediately loaded mandibular overdenture.

OBJECTIVE: No controlled clinical study has evaluated Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) of immediately placed and loaded implants retaining mandibular overdentures. This pilot study evaluated the impact of immediate loading of delayed versus immediately placed dental implants on overdenture patients' OHRQOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patient treatment groups received a maxillary conventional complete denture, opposing a mandibular overdenture immediately loaded on implants with ball attachments; In group one a delayed implant placement surgical protocol was followed, whereas in group two, patients had mandibular teeth extracted and two implants immediately placed. OHRQOL for these patients was evaluated using a visual analog scale for 48 questions related to 6 domains; comfort, function, speech, esthetics, self-image and dental health. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups when comparing answers to the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires. Pooled data showed significant differences for all domains between the pre-treatment and post-treatment responses, denoting improvement after an implant retained mandibular overdenture was delivered. CONCLUSION: There was an improved quality of life in patients receiving immediately loaded mandibular overdentures supported by either delayed or immediately placed implants.