Äldre patienters erfarenheter och upplevelse av implantatbehandling : En kvalitativ intervjustudie

Sammanfattning

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore older patients’ experiences and perceptions before,during, and after implant treatment using a qualitative research approach. Material and Methods: A strategic sample consisting of ten participants who had receivedimplant treatment at the Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, was selected. Semi-structuredinterviews were conducted focusing on participants’ experiences of the treatment process. Thedata were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Following analysis, three categories were identified prior to treatment: Motivation,Professional Encounter, and Age. The decision to undergo implant treatment was primarilymotivated by the desire to restore adequate masticatory function and aesthetics, while supportiveprofessional interaction, clear information, and financial considerations influenceddecision-making. Some concerns were expressed regarding age, bone quality, and previousnegative dental experiences; however, professional communication contributed to trust.Two categories were identified during treatment: Trustful Care and Unpredictable TreatmentProcess. The treatment phase was generally perceived as safe and supportive. Most participantsdescribed the treatment as painless and free from complications, although the prosthetic phase andthe prolonged treatment duration were sometimes experienced as demanding.Two categories were identified after treatment: Improved Quality of Life and Oral Health-RelatedChallenges. After completion of treatment, participants reported improved quality of life,enhanced oral function, and increased self-confidence. At the same time, implants were perceivedto require more self-care than expected. Conclusion: The study showed that older patients overall experienced implant treatment ashighly positive, with improvements in masticatory function, aesthetics, and quality of life.Implant placement was perceived as painless, whereas the prosthetic phase was consideredtime-consuming and occasionally unpredictable. Post-treatment self-care was experienced asmore demanding than anticipated. The findings emphasize the importance of clear and realisticinformation and of incorporating the patient perspective throughout the entire treatment process.The reliability of the study may be partially limited as participants were mainly treated withsimilar implant constructions (single and partial implants). Therefore, there is a need for futureresearch on older patients’ long-term experiences of implant treatment, as well as howcomorbidity, polypharmacy, and care setting influence treatment outcomes and patient experience. Keywords: older patients, implant treatment, qualitative interview study, quality of life, oralhealth, patient experiences, expectations, prosthetic treatment.