EPA Consensus Project Paper: Do implant- supported/retained prostheses improve the quality of life of patients with intraoral maxillofacial defects? - a systematic review

Abstract

Background: There is limited evidence available regarding patient satisfaction and quality of life assessment in patients with intraoral maxillofacial defects managed with maxillofacial prostheses. Objectives: This systematic review aims to understand the impact of intraoral implant prostheses in improving the quality of life in patients with intraoral maxillofacial defects/abnormalities. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed of nine electronic databases from January 1970 to August 2022. Hand searching of the reference lists of the included papers and of relevant journal publications between 2012 and 2022 was also undertaken. Key information was extracted from included studies alongside quality and risk of bias assessments. Results: The systematic review encompassed a total of seven studies, comprising five retrospective and two prospective investigations, with one of the prospective studies being a randomised clinical trial. The evaluation of the risk of bias and quality assessment revealed heterogeneity in the results, preventing meaningful comparisons among the included studies. Conclusion: Within the limitation of the systematic review, there is limited evidence to suggest that implant prostheses improve the quality of life in patients with intraoral maxillofacial defects or abnormalities.