Patient’s Perceived Satisfaction and Quality of Life with Fixed Partial Denture: A 10‑Year Retrospective Assessment in a Tertiary Institution, South‑West, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Tooth loss is a disease of public health concern and defines the oral health status and quality of life of an individual. Aim: This study assessed the level of satisfaction and the oral health‑related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients that received fixed partial denture (FPD), for the replacement of teeth, at a Nigerian tertiary health facility. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional retrospective evaluation of the clinical records of patients who received FPD within a period of 10 years was done. The eligible participants (44) were contacted by telephone and data on satisfaction and OHRQoL (using Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP]‑14 questionnaire) were collected. Descriptive analysis was used to report satisfaction and OHRQoL. The association between categorical variables was tested with Chi‑square. P value was set at ≤ 0.05. Results: The conventional fixed–fixed prostheses supported mostly with porcelain‑fused‑to‑metal crowns were the most used. High satisfaction with the appearance was reported by 22 (48.9%) at delivery as against 14 (31.1%) after use. Decementation was the most recorded failure, (26, 57.8%) and the total OHIP‑14 score was 21.71 ± 9.47, indicating poor quality of life. Forty‑four participants (18, 40.9% males and 26, 59.1% females) underwent oral rehabilitation with FPD within the study period. The age range and mean age of the participants were 21–72 years and 46.8 ± 13.8 (standard deviation) years, respectively. Significantly higher aesthetic satisfaction was reported at delivery of FPD compared to the present time of assessment (P < 0.001) showing a decline in satisfaction. However, long‑term posttreatment satisfaction on aesthetics, masticatory ability, and phonetics was significantly higher compared to their pretreatment satisfaction (P < 0.001, 0.001, and P = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, OHIP‑14 scores showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) improved OHRQoL posttreatment except for OHIP8 and OHIP12 subdomains with P > 0.05. Conclusion: A decline in satisfaction with aesthetics of FPD postdelivery was observed and the psychological domains of OHIP‑14 were mostly affected showing a better quality of life.