Patient Satisfaction With Dental Implants in the Upper and Lower Arches Placed in a Tertiary Care Setting: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Dental implants offer functional and aesthetic rehabilitation for edentulous patients. Despite high survival rates, patient satisfaction hinges on more than osseointegration of titanium. This study explores subjective patient satisfaction with implants in maxillary and mandibular anterior and posterior regions in a tertiary care hospital, emphasizing aesthetic, emotional, and logistical dimensions.  Methods: A qualitative design was used involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 patients (17 females, 13 males; aged 35-80) who had received dental implants at least six months prior. Transcripts were thematically analysed using QDA (Qualitative Data Analysis) Miner Lite software (Provalis Research, Montreal, Canada). Coding was based on five predefined domains: overall treatment experience, treatment coordination, perceived aesthetic outcomes, functional challenges, and review and recommendations.  Results: Of 30 patients, 26 reported an overall positive experience, one was neutral, and three were dissatisfied. Dissatisfaction arose from delays, travel difficulties, language barriers, and aesthetic mismatches. Emotional responses were positive: patients expressed joy in regaining chewing ability, confidence from restored appearance, and gratitude for empathetic care. Conversely, disappointed patients with aesthetic mismatches said they were not likely to recommend the centre or the treatment.

CONCLUSION: Implant success must be evaluated holistically, incorporating patient emotions, expectations, and experience. Understanding the full patient journey, including non-clinical barriers, can help practitioners refine care delivery, communication, and prosthetic planning.