Rehabilitation after maxillectomy in patients with implant-retained obturator: a preliminary report.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of implant-retained obturator rehabilitation after maxillectomy, based on quality of life (QOL) and masticatory function.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\nThe present study included 12 patients who underwent dental implant surgery after maxillectomy. Oral health-related QOL and masticatory function before and after completion of implant-retained obturator rehabilitation were evaluated.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOral Health Impact Profile-Short Form (OHIP-14) scores showed significant differences in the domain for functional limitation (before, 4.08 ± 2.47; after, 1.33 ± 0.98; P < .01); physical pain (before, 2.75 ± 2.05; after, 0.42 ± 0.51; P < .01); physical disability (before, 3.24 ± 2.11; after, 1.33 ± 1.30; P < .01), psychological disability (before, 3.83 ± 2.48; after, 1.67 ± 2.50; P < .01); social disability (before, 2.17 ± 1.75; after, 1.08 ± 1.38; P < .05); handicap (before, 3.17 ± 1.90; after, 1.08 ± 1.00; P < .01); and total score (before, 22.41 ± 10.17; after, 8.83 ± 6.82; P < .01) Furthermore, masticatory function score was significantly higher after completing implant-retained obturator rehabilitation (before, 38.75 ± 22.97; after, 69.17 ± 21.41; P < .01).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nImplant-retained obturator rehabilitation contributed to improved masticatory function and oral health-related QOL after maxillectomy.