Improved oral health quality of life and satisfaction with implant-supported overdentures for patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is considered a relative contraindication to implant therapy. Recent studies suggest risks may be less than previously thought. The potential benefits for diabetic patients remains to be determined. The goal of this study was to examine the benefits of implant-supported mandibular overdentures (IOD) for patients with type 2 diabetes. One hundred fifty-seven patients received two mandibular implants. Patients completed an Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL), a Patient Satisfaction questionnaire, and HbA1c was measured at baseline and six and twelve months after restoration. Sixty-three patients reported no diabetes, 65 patients were well controlled (6.1%< HbA1c <8.1%) and 29 were poorly controlled (8.1%< HbA1c <12.0%). IOD treatment resulted in significantly higher OHRQoL summary scores and general satisfaction (100mm VAS) compared to baseline across all patient groups. No statistically significant changes in HbA1c were observed after treatment. Patients with diabetes benefit from IOD independent of glycemic status.