Patient-reported outcomes of implant-assisted removable partial dentures with magnetic attachments using short implants: A prospective study

Abstract

Purpose: Implant-assisted removable partial dentures (IARPDs) with short implants improve the oral functions of removable partial dentures (RPDs). This study aimed to compare the patient-reported outcomes of RPDs and IARPDs with short implants retained by magnetic attachments. Methods: We recruited 30 participants with mandibular Kennedy Class I or II and distal extension defects of three or more teeth. RPDs, IARPDs with a healing cap, and IARPDs with a magnetic attachment were evaluated across stages using patient-reported outcomes. All participants completed questionnaires (oral health-related quality of life [OHRQoL], patient general satisfaction, and patient’s denture assessment [PDA]) at each stage. The OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-J 54 (OHIP-J 54) score. The general patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 100 mm visual analog scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bonferroni correction were used to evaluate differences between the groups (α=0.05). Results: The OHRQoL of IARPDs was significantly higher than that of RPDs. IARPDs with a magnetic attachment had significantly better patient general satisfaction and PDA than IARPDs with a healing cap. Conclusions: The OHRQoL, patient general satisfaction, and PDA were improved by IARPD with a short implant using a magnetic attachment.