A Survey-Based Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) Among Geriatric Patients Wearing Conventional Complete Dentures Versus Implant-Retained Overdentures: An Original Research Study

Aim: This study aims to evaluate oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) using a survey among geriatric patients wearing conventional complete dentures versus implant-retained overdentures. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional clinical study evaluates Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and patient satisfaction between two groups: patients using conventional dentures and those with implant-supported overdentures. The study included 100 edentulous patients, evenly divided into two groups: Conventional Denture Group: 50 patients with traditional full dentures supported by the oral mucosa. - Implant Overdenture Group: 50 patients with overdentures anchored by dental implants, providing enhanced stability and function. Demographics: Participants were elderly individuals aged 60 to 85 years, with 63% in the 60-70 age range and 56% male. In the implant group, patients had varying prosthetic experience, with some using implants for up to 2 years. Outcome Assessment: We measured OHRQoL using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire, which covers seven domains. Scores indicated quality-of-life levels as Good, Moderate, or Poor. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 5-point Likert Scale across nine metrics, including overall satisfaction and ease of cleaning. Statistical Analysis and Results: The study analyzed 100 patients split between conventional dentures and implant overdentures, primarily older adults (63% aged 60-70, 37% aged 71-85) with a balanced gender distribution (56% male, 44% female). Among implant overdenture users, 25% had them for over two years, while conventional users had varying retention times from three to 12 months. For oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), 56% of implant users rated their quality of life as "Good," compared with 46% of conventional denture users. The implant group reported less physical pain (average score of 10.28 vs. 12.50), lower psychological discomfort (8.53 vs. 8.48), and reduced physical disability (10.00 vs. 13.03). While total OHIP scores favoured the implant group, the differences were not statistically significant. Patient satisfaction strongly favoured implant overdentures, with users reporting better stability, comfort, masticatory performance, speech clarity, and aesthetic satisfaction. Both groups had moderate difficulty maintaining cleanliness, highlighting a common challenge regardless of denture type. Conclusion: The study concluded that implant overdentures significantly outperform traditional dentures, offering better comfort, stability, masticatory efficiency, aesthetics, and speech. They are also easier to maintain and improve both physical and psychological quality of life.