Objective: To investigate whether treatment with ISSC affect patient-centered outcome and masticatory function.
Material and methods: In 9 females and 9 males (32±10 yr) all with agenesis of permanent teeth and treated with 1-4 metal-ceramic crown (68% in the premolar region), the treatment effect and masticatory function were assessed. The evaluation was done twice, once after implant placement shortly before crown cementation and the second time one month after cementation. The examination included questionnaires (including Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49)), and functional examination with 0.05 mm plastic strips, Dental Prescale Film and Occluzer system, Xylitol color-changeable gum, and slices of Granny Smith apple.
Results: The patients' satisfaction with treatment was high and they experienced a significant overall improvement of their oral health-related quality of life (on average 13% reduction in total OHIP scores). The cementation of the crowns was associated with significant increase in: the number of near occlusal tooth contacts, the contact area, the bite force, and the chewing ability and performance. Furthermore, the load on the ISSC was about half the load of corresponding natural teeth and the occlusal load center moved significantly posterior. There was a significant, positive correlation between number of tooth contacts and (1) occlusal contact area, (2) bite force and (3) chewing performance.
Conclusion: Both on subjective and clinical levels treatment with ISSCs improved oral function and masticatory parameters significantly.