RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Very little information is available on the general health of elderly who are provided with an implant-retained overdenture (IOD). PURPOSE: The general health status of three groups of elderly (≥75 years) were compared: those with a natural dentition (ND), those treated with an implant-retained overdenture (IOD), and those wearing a conventional denture (CD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on healthcare costs were obtained from records of Dutch health insurers that are collected by Vektis. Data on general health (chronic diseases, medication use, and polypharmacy) were acquired for elderly patients with a ND, an IOD, and a CD in 2009 and 2017. Data on the general health of elderly who received an IOD were also acquired from 2010 through 2016. RESULTS: On average, the general health of elderly who received an IOD was comparable to general health of elderly with a ND and was better than the general health of elderly with a CD (lower prevalence of diabetes, cardiac disease, and hypertension). The general health profile of elderly receiving an IOD was consistent during all years. CONCLUSIONS: The general health of elderly with a ND or IODs is better than those with CDs.