AICRG, Part IV: Patient satisfaction reported for Ankylos implant prostheses

PROBLEM: Although many maxillary dentures exhibit sufficient retention and stability for patients to adapt well to them, mandibular dentures present a major challenge. The introduction of the endosseous dental implant provided the opportunity for the patient to have esthetic replacements (implant prostheses) that were retentive and stable for all missing natural teeth. METHOD: This paper reports on the satisfaction of over 470 patients with implant prostheses fabricated using a new and innovative implant design (Ankylos, Dentsply-Friadent, Mannheim, Germany). RESULTS: A total of 1500 Ankylos implants were placed, restored, and followed for 3 to 5 years. Patients were asked to respond to a series of questions related to their satisfaction with their new replacements for missing natural teeth. A total of 95.6% of the patients rated chewing ability with Ankylos prosthesis as excellent to good; 92.2% indicated a significant improvement in their ability to chew; 92.6% reported overall clinical function much better than conventional dentures; 99.1% indicated that speech had improved or was not changed; 96.3% indicated hot and cold foods tasted better; 98.8% indicated no pain or discomfort during clinical function; 99.4% liked their new implant prosthesis; 98.0% would seek implant-prostheses treatment again, if necessary; 99.1% would recommend implant prostheses to friends and relatives; and 98.8% indicated the advantages of Ankylos prostheses far exceeded any disadvantages that may exist. CONCLUSIONS: Patients indicated that they (1) were highly satisfied with the final results of the replacements for their natural teeth that were retained or supported by this new implant design, (2) would not hesitate to recommend this form of treatment to their friends and relatives, and (3) would not hesitate to seek the same treatment again if necessary in the future.