Mustafa Hayati ATALA
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences - 2026;16(2):65-71
Objective: This narrative review aims to examine the psychological impact of edentulism and its effects on oral health-related quality of life, with particular focus on how different dental rehabilitation approaches influence emotional well-being and social functioning. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, including quantitative studies using validated quality-of-life instruments and qualitative research exploring patient experiences related to edentulism, complete dentures, and implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation. Results: The literature consistently shows that edentulism is associated with reduced self-esteem, social withdrawal, anxiety, and impaired quality of life. Dental rehabilitation generally improves oral function and daily comfort. Implant-supported prostheses are associated with greater improvements in chewing ability, self-confidence, and psychosocial functioning compared with conventional complete dentures. However, psychological outcomes vary between individuals and are influenced by baseline mental health, coping strategies, expectations, and social support. Conclusion: Edentulism has significant psychological and social consequences beyond functional impairment. Dental rehabilitation, particularly implant-supported treatment, can improve quality of life, but outcomes are not uniform. A biopsychosocial, patient-centered approach that considers psychological factors alongside clinical success is essential for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes.
