The Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on the Quality of Life of Edentulous Elderly Patients in Serbia

Tooth loss is a significant global issue, particularly among the elderly, as it impairs essential stomatognathic functions like chewing, swallowing, speech, and aesthetics. Edentulism can also affect nutrition, overall health, and quality of life, leading to functional, psychological, and social challenges. This research aimed to determine whether the type of prosthetic restoration affects patients' overall satisfaction and the extent to which socio-economic factors affect quality of life. The study included 120 patients of both genders and over 60 years of age, who were divided into two groups: patients with conventional complete dentures (Group 1) and patients with complete dentures with mini-implants (Group 2). The respondents completed the Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) questionnaire, which was divided into four parts: socio-demographic data, hygiene habits, changes in oral functioning, and changes in ways,30 of life related to oral health. Patients with conventional complete dentures had significantly more frequent speech impairment (80.3%), swallowing (47.5%), and chewing (82.0%), compared to patients with mini-implants. The association of speech, swallowing, and chewing disorders with educational level and income was also demonstrated. They were also significantly more stressed, more nervous, more distracted by daily activities, and more uncomfortable than another group of subjects. Patients rehabilitated with mini-implant-supported complete dentures demonstrated higher overall satisfaction levels. The level of education and income have the highest impact on the quality of life of all socioeconomic factors.