Mieke Yunita Viryadi, Rosalina Tjandrawinata

DENTAL IMPLANTS TO RESTORE PATIENT'S QUALITY OF LIFE

Introduction

Dental implants to restore patient's quality of life. Dental implants restore quality of life after tooth loss. Improve chewing, aesthetics, and psychological well-being, bridging the treatment gap for oral health rehabilitation.

Abstract

Tooth loss can lead to physical and psychological problems such as impaired chewing, digestive disorders, changes in facial structure, speech difficulties, and reduced self-confidence, which may trigger anxiety and depression. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey reported that although 31.9% of people had experienced tooth extraction, only 3.1% had their teeth replaced, showing a significant treatment gap. Dental implants have emerged as the gold standard for tooth replacement due to their superior function, stability, and aesthetic outcome compared to conventional dentures. This case report discusses a 63-year-old female patient who presented with chewing difficulties and esthetic concerns due to the loss of mandibular teeth numbers 45 and 46. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed adequate alveolar bone volume, a healthy periodontal condition, and no systemic contraindications despite a history of anti-cancer drug use more than 15 years prior. Two implants, with a diameter of 4.6 mm and a length of 10.5 mm, were placed in the mandibular premolar and molar regions, followed by the placement of healing abutments and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns after osseointegration. Postoperative evaluations revealed excellent implant stability, improved masticatory function, and high aesthetic satisfaction, with a significant positive psychological impact. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of dental implants as a reliable rehabilitation option that enhances oral health and improves quality of life. had them replacedprovide a functional, stable, and aesthetically pleasing DOI : 10.54052/jhds.v5n2/163-176

Review

The paper "Dental Implants to Restore Patient's Quality of Life" addresses a critical issue in oral health: the profound impact of tooth loss on an individual's physical and psychological well-being. The abstract effectively highlights the significant treatment gap in Indonesia, where a large percentage of individuals experiencing tooth extraction do not receive replacement, underscoring the relevance and urgency of this topic. By framing dental implants as the "gold standard" for tooth replacement, the authors set the stage for demonstrating their efficacy in not only restoring oral function but also significantly improving a patient's overall quality of life, aligning with the paper's title and central theme. This case report meticulously details the successful rehabilitation of a 63-year-old female patient suffering from chewing difficulties and esthetic concerns due to mandibular tooth loss. The abstract provides a clear and concise overview of the diagnostic process, including clinical and radiographic assessments, which confirmed adequate bone volume and healthy periodontal conditions, alongside a thorough consideration of the patient's medical history, notably a remote history of anti-cancer drug use, handled without complications. The precise details regarding implant dimensions (4.6 mm diameter, 10.5 mm length) and the use of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns after successful osseointegration demonstrate a sound clinical approach. The reported outcomes of excellent implant stability, improved masticatory function, high aesthetic satisfaction, and a significant positive psychological impact powerfully illustrate the comprehensive benefits of implant therapy. While a single case report inherently offers limited generalizability, this publication serves as a compelling testament to the effectiveness and reliability of dental implants as a therapeutic option. It reinforces existing literature on the ability of implants to address both the functional and psychosocial sequelae of tooth loss, particularly in older patients with complex medical histories. The case effectively demonstrates how precise treatment planning and execution can lead to predictable and highly satisfactory results, ultimately enhancing a patient's quality of life. Future research could build upon such individual successes by exploring larger cohort studies to quantify these benefits more broadly and investigate long-term outcomes, further advocating for expanded access to and awareness of implant-based dental rehabilitation. The paper is a valuable contribution to the clinical literature, reinforcing the critical role of dental implants in comprehensive oral health care.

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