Sensorial Ability, Mastication and Nutrition of Single-Implant Overdentures Wearers

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).

Patient‐reported outcome measures of edentulous patients restored with single‐implant mandibular overdentures: A systematic review

“…There were 2 prospective studies and 4 RCTs evaluating the masticatory function outcome of SIMO in different ways 24,25,27,28,38,39 . (Table 5) Two prospective studies confirmed better mastication efficiency after SIMO restoration 38,39 . A crossover RCT observed significantly higher mixing ability, comminuting ability and maximum bite force in SIMO group than in CCD group 24 .…”

“…There were 2 prospective studies and 4 RCTs evaluating the masticatory function outcome of SIMO in different ways. 24,25,27,28,38,39 ( a Group IC received a SIMO, whereas group CI received a CCD, for 2 mo; the treatments were interchanged for the next 2 mo.…”

“…Two prospective studies confirmed better mastication efficiency after SIMO restoration 38,39. A crossover RCT observed significantly higher mixing ability, comminuting ability Characteristics of the included Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) in the systematic review…”

Prostheses satisfaction and diet of elderly wearing a single implant overdenture: A six‐month assessment

“…Only a few studies have compared sodium intake between CD wearers and dentate individuals, thus making it difficult for us to interpret our results showing higher sodium intake in CD wearers than SIO wearers. One study showed lower sodium intake in SIO wearers, after 2 months of use than in CD wearers generally (baseline conditions), which was attributed to new SIO wearers improving their diet (ie, consuming foods with lower sodium). The major problem with elevated dietary sodium values is that high sodium intake increases the risk of coronary and circulatory diseases, particularly for older individuals who are already prone to renal diseases associated with a decline in physiological functions .…”

“…To overcome the disadvantages of a removable prosthetic device, such as absence of retention and stability and the risk of malnutrition, given by the reduced nutrient absorption of a soft diet, dental implants have become the first‐choice for rehabilitating edentulous arches because implant‐supported prostheses improve one's ability to chew, essential for maintaining a proper diet, which in turn may prevent vitamin deficiencies and reduced nutrient intake, especially in older patients . To improve chewing ability for patients with resorbed ridges, a treatment approach involving a single implant overdenture (SIO) in the anterior midline region of the edentulous mandible has been described as a suitable, low‐cost alternative for patients who find it difficult to adapt to a lower CD.…”