No abstract

BoNT-A has been increasingly diffused in dentistry over recent years, being also used for pain management in patients with bruxism. Nonetheless, there is no consensus about its effects in this disorder.

No abstract

The use of two-implant overdentures improves mastication of edentulous elderly patients. However, little is known about the effects of single-implant overdentures (SIO) on oral perception and masticatory function in such elders. This study compared the effects of conventional complete dentures (CD) and SIO on the oral sensorimotor ability (OSA), masticatory function, and nutritional intake of elderly people with residual alveolar mandibular height classified as Class III or IV according to the American College of Prosthodontics. Twelve elders first received new conventional CD, which were later converted to SIO. All variables were evaluated after use of each prosthesis for 2 months. To evaluate OSA, elders closed their eyes and orally identified test pieces prepared from raw carrots. A kinesiographic device was used to measure chewing movements during mastication of a test material (Optocal). Masticatory performance (MP) was determined with the sieving method, and a 3-day food diary verified nutrient intake based on a standard Brazilian Food Composition Table. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and Student's paired t test (P < 0.05). OSA results did not differ according to prosthesis type. However, opening and closing velocities during chewing and MP increased after SIO insertion (P < 0.05). Although no difference was observed in the intake of most nutrients, sodium ingestion decreased after SIO insertion (P < 0.05). SIO use had no effect on OSA, but significantly improved mastication and sodium intake of elders with decreased residual ridges height (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials #RBR-3kgttj).

No abstract

Aims To evaluate masticatory function and oral sensorimotor ability (OSA) in elders with Parkinson's disease (PD) during the levodopa on and off‐periods. Methods and results Participants were 11 partially and completely edentulous elders with PD. Masticatory function was evaluated by mandibular movements, maximum bite force (MBF), and masticatory performance (MP). Mandibular movements reflecting jaw range of motion (ROM) and jaw movements while chewing silicone test material (Optocal), were evaluated using a kinesiograph. MBF was assessed by strain sensors, and MP was determined using the median Optocal particle size (X50) after 40 masticatory cycles. OSA was evaluated using oral stereognosis test scores and response time. Evaluations were carried out 30 min before levodopa intake (off‐period) and within a 3‐day interval 1 h after levodopa intake (on‐period). Data were analyzed by Student's t‐test, considering a significance level of 5%. During the levodopa off‐period, elders showed decreased ROM during protrusion and lateral movements, while no difference was found in maximum opening and mandibular movements during chewing. MBF was lower and X50 was higher during the off‐period, indicating worse mastication. However, OSA did not differ between the evaluated times. Conclusion Elders with PD had impaired mastication during the levodopa off‐period, although OSA was not altered.

Previous clinical research has shown promising results in oral rehabilitation of elderly adults by a single implant-retained mandibular overdenture; however, the high incidence of fracture in the anterior region of these overdentures is a concern for clinicians. To minimize catastrophic overdenture fracture, we propose a technique to insert an individualized metal framework in single implant-retained overdentures prior to implant surgery.

Aims:To compare prosthesis satisfaction and nutritional intake of edentulous elderly people wearing a conventional complete denture (CD) with those wearing a single implant mandibular overdenture (SIO) after 6 months of use. Methods and results:Completely edentulous elderly patients (n = 22) were divided between a group rehabilitated with CDs in both dental arches and a group receiving a mandibular SIO with a conventional CD in the upper arch (n = 11/group). Patients completed a visual analog scale for degree of satisfaction with their prostheses in seven categories. Nutritional intake of patients (based on patient diaries) was evaluated over a 3-day period. SIO wearers were more satisfied with their prostheses than were CD wearers. Six months after rehabilitation, the SIO group consumed foods higher in vitamins B2 and B6, whereas the CD group consumed more sodium.Conclusion: SIO wearers are more satisfied with their prosthesis and consume greater amounts of vitamin B2 and vitamin B6 in their diets than CD wearers. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (#RBR-3kgttj and #RBR-37gdst).