Quality of implant anchored craniofacial and intraoral prostheses: patient's evaluation.

BACKGROUNDS: Bone-anchored prostheses have become a major issue in the rehabilitation of patients with facial defects. The objective of this study was to analyze how patients perceived the quality of implant-retained orbit, ear, nose, maxilla, or partial face prosthesis.

METHODS

The patients' satisfaction from implant-retained prostheses usage was evaluated by a group of 30 patients with various facial defects. The survey referred exclusively to oncologic patients. Surveyors were classified basing on their age, sex, and defect localization, and their satisfaction was assessed by standardized questionnaire with 6-grade scale.

RESULTS

Overall, acknowledging some weaknesses, such as reduced condition of surrounding soft tissue and necessity to enhance hygienic care, most of the patients assessed their prostheses as "good" emphasizing excellent mechanical retention and high wearing comfort. More detailed analysis revealed itemized outcome: (i) auricular prosthesis was indicated as the most comfortable solution by the patients; (ii) women and patients older than 55 years were more satisfied with the treatment results than men and patients younger than 55 years; and (iii) implant-retained prostheses were generally rated better than conventional adhesive-retained solutions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study proved that generally implants improve the satisfaction of patients with craniofacial prostheses. However, the actual level of satisfaction depends, to a large extent, on the defect's localization, sex, and age of the patient.