Dental implants from the patients perspective: transition from tooth loss, through amputation to implants – negative and positive trajectories

Annsofi Johannsen, Albert Westergren, Gunnar Johannsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to explore patients' expectations on and experiences from dental implant treatment through deep-interview technique. Material & Methods A qualitative study design was chosen and 17 patients were interviewed by open-ended questions. All patients in the study had a previous history of periodontal disease with, in most cases, many years of treatment. The interviews were transcribed; a coding process was used according to qualitative conventional content analysis. Results In the analysis, a core category was identified as “Transition from tooth loss, to ‘Amputation’, and to implants – negative and positive trajectories”. When the patients faced the fact that it was not possible to keep the teeth any longer, a period of fear, shame and denial, which also affected their social life negatively followed. After they received their implants and the chewing ability and appearance became better, it also improved their quality of life. Conclusion Treatment with dental implants improved function, enhanced self-esteem, social life and, thus quality of life. In clinical practice, information about dental implants and motivational strategies are needed during the period before getting dental implants. Follow-up is important thereafter, capturing both the pros and cons with implants.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)681-687
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Clinical Periodontology
Volume39
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Swedish Standard Keywords

  • Dentistry (30216)

Keywords

  • deep-interview
  • dental implants
  • periodontitis
  • quality of life
  • transition

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dental implants from the patients perspective: transition from tooth loss, through amputation to implants – negative and positive trajectories'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this