Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Implant-Supported Single Crown and Tooth-Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses in Türkiye

OBJECTIVES

The most cost-effective option for replacing lost teeth is not evident because there is a dearth of evidence-based information on implant-supported single crowns versus tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses. This study conducted the analysis of cost-effectiveness of implant-supported single crown and tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses from a social perspective in Türkiye.

METHODS

Costs were calculated in the analysis from a social perspective for 2021. Costs and quality-adjusted prosthesis year (QAPY) values were computed over a 20-year period in the study using the Markov model. The computed values were discounted by 5%. The results are presented as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. To assess the impact of uncertainty on cost-effectiveness analyses, a tornado diagram and Monte Carlo simulations were created.

RESULTS

Throughout the 20-year time horizon, tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses cost $985.58 cumulatively, whereas implant-supported single crown cost $2161.64 (US $1 = 9.22 ₺ as of 15 October 2021). The calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is 1.333 per QAPY. Compared with the implant-supported single crown tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses, it offers a QAPY of 0.882 over a 20-year period, while costing an additional $1176.06.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the implant-supported single crown provided higher QAPY value but was costlier. When the research's findings are compared with the literature, it becomes clear that Türkiye has lower dental care expenses than most other nations.

Perspective of Doctors and Nurses on the Principle of Extended Autonomy in Konya, Turkey

Despite the support with legislation in Turkey regarding extended autonomy and advance directive, there is no clear provision and sufficient practice on the subject. Turkish doctors and nurses are generally unfamiliar with the conception of extended autonomy or advance directive, which raises dilemmas in terms of life-support choice, and this situation can even affect clinical decision-making processes. This study investigated the awareness level about extended autonomy and advance directive in Turkey and assessed doctors and nurses' attitudes toward patient autonomy. This was a quantitative descriptive study. It was found that the 46.8% of the respondents supported the principle of extended autonomy in health service delivery. However, 53.8% of the respondents had poor knowledge regarding advance directive. Majority (77.9%) of the respondents indicated that the legislative arrangements should be made concerning the principle of extended autonomy and the advance directive, which is its field of application.