Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with maxillofacial defects after prosthodontic rehabilitation: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Context: Oral cancer surgery leads to hard- and soft-tissue loss which can affect the quality of life of the individuals. Maxillofacial prosthodontics focuses on optimizing the disrupted oral function of individuals whose rehabilitation will serve as a psychosocial therapy. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) after the maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation following cancer resection surgery. Settings and Design: The sample comprised 15 oral cancer patients who agreed to maxillofacial prosthesis (MFP) after surgery. Materials and Methods: Oral function and OHRQoL were evaluated pre- and postmaxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation. The masticatory function, swallowing function, and articulatory function were evaluated. The OHRQoL was evaluated by OHIPJ-14 questionnaire. Descriptive methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were calculated. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the results. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between prescores and postscores of dysphagia score (P = 0.05) and OHIP-J14 score (P = 0.00). No statistically significant differences were evident in perceived chewing ability (P = 0.29) and intelligibility score (P = 0.43). A statistically significant difference was evident in the prescore and postscore of OHIP-J14 subscales: functional limitations (P < 0.05), physical pain (P < 0.05), psychological discomfort (P < 0.05), physical disability (P < 0.05), psychological disability (P < 0.05), and handicap (P < 0.05), before and after maxillofacial prosthetic treatment except for social disability (P > 0.05). Conclusion: OHRQoL significantly improved with maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation.