Masticatory Ability and Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Partially Edentulous Patients Involving Posterior Teeth after Rehabilitation with Tooth-Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis

Background: Loss of teeth affects the masticatory ability and overall health of the patient especially posterior teeth as they contribute more to mastication as compared to anteriors. Loss of teeth can lead to undesirable consequences and early rehabilitation with any type of prosthesis can lead to desirable changes and thus missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible. Aims and Objectives: To determine the change in masticatory ability and quality of life (QoL) after replacement of missing posterior teeth by fixed dental prosthesis. Methodology: Maximum bite force was recorded before and after treatment. Also a self-perceived questionnaire was filled by the patient to assess the change in QoL. Patients with missing posterior teeth were included. Patients with acute infections or systemic diseases were excluded. Results: Significant change (p=0.0001) in both masticatory ability and QoL of the patient was seen. The co-relation of both was clinically significant while statistically non-significant (p=0.77). Results were significant for both the studied parameters but co-relation between them was no significant. It is because of the patients perceived satisfaction of the overall treatment. Conclusion: Rehabilitation of posterior teeth improves mastication and also overall oral health related QoL.