Impact of implant-supported fixed prostheses on quality of life in patients with severe jaw atrophy reconstructed with anterior iliac crest grafts: a retrospective study

Fixed prostheses in edentulous patients offer enhanced stability, functionality, and aesthetics compared to removable options, significantly improving chewing efficiency and comfort. However, severe alveolar ridge atrophy poses significant challenges for implant-based rehabilitation, necessitating advanced bone augmentation techniques to ensure optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes. Anterior iliac crest bone grafting is widely used for restoring bone volume in such cases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of implant-supported fixed prostheses (ISFPs) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severely atrophied maxillae reconstructed using anterior iliac crest grafts.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 28 patients who underwent iliac crest bone grafting on the maxilla followed by ISFP rehabilitation. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires before and after treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Analysis revealed significant improvements in posttreatment OHRQoL scores, particularly among female patients (p < 0.05), who showed greater sensitivity to aesthetic and functional changes. Male participants reported higher scores for physical role function and general health perception (p < 0.05). Age was found to influence general health scores but had no significant impact on OHRQoL.

These findings emphasize the effectiveness of anterior iliac crest bone grafting in restoring oral function and aesthetics while underscoring the importance of tailoring treatment approaches based on patient demographics and preferences. In the context of patient-centered care, incorporating patients’ subjective experiences has become essential to evidence-based clinical practice.