Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Masticatory Efficiency with Implant-Supported Overdentures Versus Conventional Dentures.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Tooth loss significantly affects oral function and quality of life. While conventional complete dentures (CDs) have long been the standard treatment for edentulous patients, implant-supported overdentures (IODs) offer improved retention, stability, and function.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A total of 40 completely edentulous patients aged between 50 and 75 years were enrolled in this comparative study. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (<i>n</i> = 20) received conventional maxillary and mandibular dentures, while Group B (<i>n</i> = 20) received mandibular IODs retained with two implants and conventional maxillary dentures. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a standardized questionnaire comprising ten items related to comfort, stability, speech, and aesthetics using a 5-point Likert scale. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated using the sieving method with standardized food particles (peanuts) and measuring particle size distribution after chewing.<h4>Results</h4>Patients in the IOD group (Group B) reported significantly higher satisfaction scores (mean = 45.2 ± 3.1) compared to the CD group (mean = 36.7 ± 4.5), <i>P</i> < 0.001. Masticatory efficiency was also significantly better in Group B, with a greater percentage of finely chewed particles (mean = 72.5% ±5.4%) compared to Group A (mean = 54.3% ±6.7%), <i>P</i> < 0.001. Improvements in stability, comfort during mastication, and confidence in social settings were notable in the IOD group.<h4>Conclusion</h4>IODs provide superior patient satisfaction and masticatory efficiency compared to conventional CDs. They significantly enhance oral function and quality of life for edentulous individuals and should be considered a preferred treatment option when feasible.