Patient satisfaction and comfort after a full-arch immediate loaded prosthesis.

The aim of this study was to assess oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients before, during and after completion of implant-supported full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation according to the Columbus Bridge Protocol (CBP). 25 patients with compromised dentition were rehabilitated according to the CBP and were assessed for OHRQoL using 4 questionnaires specifically realized for this study and inspired to the OHIP (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire. Patients assessed themselves before surgery, during the healing period (1 week and 2 months after surgery) and after definitive prosthodontic treatment (4 months after surgery). The questionnaires specifically investigated patients' pain, confort, home oral hygiene habits, satisfaction related to esthetics, masticatory ability, phonetics and general satisfaction toward the treatment.Patients reported an improvement of OHRQoL after full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation. A statistically significant improvement in aesthetic and chewing ability was found. After 4 months 92% of the patients did not feel tense with their smile, 96% did not show problems to relate with other people or smiling, 92% did not show difficulty to eat some foods. Phonetics was found to be a critical issue, especially in the intermediate phase of healing. One week after surgery the percentage of patients who was very satisfied with phonetics slightly decreased from 48% to 36%. The assessment of patients' OHRQoL related to full-arch immediate loading implant therapy exhibited a significant improvement of their quality of life. The questionnaires herein presented could be an effective tool to evaluate patients' reaction to oral rehabilitation.