The use of patient‐related outcomes (PRO) and experience (PRE) in assessing the periodontal and implant patient

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence with regard to behavioral and psychosocial assessment of the periodontitis patient, the candidate for implant therapy, and the peri‐implantitis patient. Periodontitis has an adverse effect on quality of life and its treatment can lead to significant improvements experienced by the patient. The latter is true for rehabilitation with dental implants, although patients harbor diverse expectations and perceptions of implant therapy, which can often interfere with satisfaction and/or influence long‐term success. A thorough behavioral assessment of the candidate for implant therapy is essential, which should include, perceptions, expectations, as well as risk for behavioral disorders. Remedial action is essential to correct misperceptions and any identified risks. Finally, patients have limited awareness of limited ability to identify signs of peri‐implantitis. The diagnosis of peri‐implantitis can be a cause of significant distress, resentment, and loss of trust to the treatment and the caregivers. Despite documented value in clinical research, currently available instruments assessing patient‐reported outcomes have little application in day‐to‐day clinical practice. Face‐to‐face patient to doctor open‐ended communication remains the most effective way to comprehensively establish the long‐term “therapeutic alliance” essential for the long journey for the periodontitis patient.