Social Appearance Anxiety and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle-Aged Adults with Implant Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: The success of implant therapy is strongly related to the perceptions and expectations of the patients. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of social appearance anxiety and oral health-related quality of life in middle-aged adults with implant-supported fixed prostheses and compare with individuals who have tooth loss without any prosthetic rehabilitation or who have natural teeth. Materials and methods: The participants (n=292) were divided into three groups: group 1, individuals with implant-supported fixed dental prostheses; group 2, individuals with tooth loss; and group 3, individuals with totally natural teeth. A questionnaire form including basic questions, Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was distributed among patients. Results: Group 2 showed a significantly higher level of SAAS and OHIP-14 scores compared with groups 1 and 3 (p<0.001). The SAAS scores were similar between groups 1 and 3, with no significant differences. The median OHIP-14 score was the lowest in group 3. For all groups, education was related to SAAS and OHIP-14 scores (p=0.037 and 0.002, respectively). The SAAS and OHIP-14 scores were significantly and positively related (p<0.001, r=0.501). Conclusions: It was concluded that patients with tooth loss had higher levels of SAAS and OHIP-14 scores. Besides, the SAAS scores were similar for patients with implant-supported fixed prostheses and those with natural teeth. Middle-aged adults with higher educational levels tended to present better oral health-related quality of life and lower social appearance anxiety.