Oral health-related quality of life and complications after treatment with partial removable dental prosthesis

Abstract

The aims of this study were to measure and describe the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and to identify the complications caused by partial removable dental prosthesis (RDPs) in patients 1-5 years after treatment. Complications were identified in 65 patients who were treated with 83 RDPs (48 upper, 35 lower). OHRQoL was measured using the OHIP-49 before treatment and at the baseline (1-2 months after treatment) and follow-up (1-5 years after treatment) examinations. The types and numbers of oral problems that were experienced were described based on OHIP items with a score of 3 and 4. A significant improvement (P < 0·05) in the total OHIP-49 was registered from pre-treatment (mean 42, SD ± 37) to baseline (mean 29, SD ± 27) and from pre-treatment to 1-5 years after treatment (mean 32, SD ± 30). There was no significant difference between the baseline and 1- to 5-year follow-up examinations. Problems with eating and appearance registered at pre-treatment were improved at baseline and after 1-5 years. Problems with dentures that had been registered pre-treatment were improved at baseline but reoccurred after 1-5 years. The two most frequent complications were ill-fitting RDPs and inflammation of the oral mucosa, followed less frequently by fractures of the clasps. Treatment with RDPs improved OHRQoL, but denture-related problems partly remained, and new problems related to RDPs occurred 1-5 years after treatment. The two most frequent complications were ill-fitting RDPs and inflammation of the oral mucosa.

Keywords: inflammation; prosthesis fitting; quality of life; rehabilitation; removable partial dentures; treatment outcome.