Long-term impact of implant-supported oral rehabilitation on quality of life: a 5 years prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study analysed the impact of oral rehabilitation with implant-supported fixed complete dentures (IFCDs) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its relationship with self-esteem and gratitude. METHODS: 66 patients were interviewed to collect data on OHRQoL (OHIP-14), gratitude and self-esteem, after denture delivery. OHIP-14 scores were analysed over time and contrasted between groups with IFCD complication or not. RESULTS: OHIP-14 changed from 22.1 ± 13.8 at baseline to 1.8 ± 2.3 after rehabilitation. Gratitude and self-esteem mean scores were 38.6 ± 3.0 and 36.9 ± 3.8, respectively. OHIP-14 was statistically different from baseline (22.1 ± 13.8) and 1, 3 and 5 years after rehabilitation (2.3 ± 3.7, 1.9 ± 3.1 and 1.8 ± 2.3). No difference was found between the follow-up times and among OHIP-14 domains. Thirteen out of 66 patients (19.7%) had repairable prosthetic complications, but OHIP-14 did not differ between patients with or without complications. Gratitude and self-esteem showed a moderate association (rs = 0.36; P = 0.003), but no association with OHIP-14. CONCLUSIONS: IFCD treatment has a long-term positive impact on patient's OHRQoL, even among patients who had prosthetic complications. The long-term stability in improved OHRQoL is not associated with self-esteem and gratitude. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.

Early Effect of Implant-Supported Rehabilitation and Nocturnal Bruxism on Maximum Occlusal Force: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This clinical study evaluated the early effect of oral rehabilitation with dental implants and nocturnal bruxism on maximum occlusal force (MOF), before sensorimotor adaptation. A consecutive sample consisted of 127 patients divided into three groups according to their dental state: G1- implant-supported fixed complete denture (IFCD) opposing to a small fixed prosthesis or natural dentition; G2- IFCD opposing to a complete denture; and G3- small fixed prosthesis or natural dentition in both arches. Clinical data were collected after prosthesis installation: systemic and oral health conditions, MOF, self-reported bruxism, and bruxism severity (low, moderate, severe). Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey-Krammer tests. Dental state and the interaction sex-bruxism had significant effect on MOF. G1 had higher MOF than G3, but G2 was not significantly different from G1 and G3. Men with bruxism had the highest MOF. The levels of bruxism severity did not have a significant effect on MOF. The results suggest that MOF varies as a function of dental state and the interaction sex-bruxism. However, presence and severity of bruxism alone does not affect MOF.

In vitro study of a modified sagittal split osteotomy fixation technique of the mandible: a mechanical test.

This study was performed to evaluate the compressive mechanical strength of rigid internal fixation (RIF) using 1.5-mm L-shaped plates fixed with monocortical screws in sagittal split osteotomy (SSO). Thirty synthetic hemimandibles, which had all undergone a 5-mm advancement, were divided into three groups: three 12-mm bicortical titanium screws were placed in an inverted L pattern in group A; one straight 2.0-mm system spaced titanium plate fixed with four 5-mm monocortical screws was used in group B; two 1.5-mm system L-shaped titanium plates, each fixed with four 5-mm monocortical screws, were used in group C. The models were subjected to compressive and progressive mechanical tests with forces applied in the area between the second premolar and first molar to verify resistance in Newtons (N). A displacement speed of 1mm/min was applied, with a maximum 10mm displacement of the distal segment or until disruption of the fixation. The deformity and/or eventual rupture of the plates were evaluated, and consequently their technical stability was determined. The results showed that the modified fixation technique tested in this study on synthetic mandibles resulted in adequate stability and superior mechanical behaviour compared to simulated osteosynthesis with the use of a straight 2.0-mm titanium plate.