Patient Experience and Satisfaction of Immediate-Loading: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: To explore the experience and satisfaction of edentate individuals in regard to the immediate-loading protocol for implant-assisted overdentures.
Methods: Seventeen edentate individuals (mean age: 62 years) who received implant-assisted overdentures through an immediate-loading protocol participated in this qualitative study. An interview guide was developed based on Perneger’s Detailed Model. Audio-recorded, semi-structured, in-depth interviews, each with a 60-minute duration, were conducted by two trained interviewers. Qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach including interview debriefing, transcript coding, data display and interpretation.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the interviews: Patient awareness and engagement with treatment, experience-shaped expectations, and immediate gratification. All patients expressed full satisfaction with treatment. Accessibility of the dental care provider and provision of detailed information through proper communication both had a significant impact on patient satisfaction of prosthetic care. High cost and lack of dental insurance coverage were perceived as the major barriers in receiving this type of treatment in the private sector.
Conclusions: The positive experience and satisfaction of patients with the immediate-loading protocol indicates that this modality of treatment should be considered in the treatment planning of edentulous individuals.