Selection patterns of dietary foods in edentulous participants rehabilitated with maxillary complete dentures opposed by mandibular implant-supported prostheses: a multicenter longitudinal assessment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Documentation of long-term changes in food intake is lacking for those treated with a maxillary complete denture opposed by a mandibular, screw-retained, implant-supported fixed prosthesis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the selection patterns of dietary foods over 5 years for edentulous participants treated in a multicenter prospective clinical trial that compared cast alloy versus laser-welded titanium frameworks of an implant-supported prostheses opposed by maxillary complete dentures to rehabilitate edentulous participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study assessed data from a multicenter prospective clinical trial that followed edentulous participants from an initial baseline of wearing existing complete dentures to implant placement, restoration with a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture, to follow-up assessment of these treatments over 5 years. The 32 participants in the cohort were treated at 5 of 9 participating centers. The data collected included 2 dietary forms, a standardized 4-day food diary form, and a dietary habits questionnaire. Each participant completed forms before entering into treatment (control) and at the 1- and 5-year follow-up assessment after being treated with a maxillary complete denture opposing a mandibular complete-arch fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each measure at each assessment point. Regression analysis and the Sign test were used to calculate change in the participants' nutritional status (α=.05). RESULTS: Among the findings, it was noted that difficulty in masticating hard, raw, and fibrous foods decreased and intake of vegetable portions increased significantly from 2.5 to 3.3 servings. Participant comfort in eating in public places and their enjoyment of eating were significantly improved from 50% of participants being uncomfortable with their prior complete denture treatment to only 4% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that vegetable intake and ability to masticate raw, hard, and fibrous food for these participants improved when they received a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis opposed by a maxillary complete denture. According to the analysis and findings, the overall eating experience was more pleasurable, and eating in public was more comfortable after replacement of complete dentures with a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis.

Recognition and management of eating disorders in the dental office.

Extensive damage to the teeth may result from self-induced vomiting. Recognition of the oral signs of eating disorders is a responsibility of dental care providers. Young women with BN and AN may seek dental care before seeking medical treatment because they are concerned about their appearance. Early identification of oral changes by the dental practitioner and referral to medical and psychiatric therapists can reduce the risk of further physical damage to the body or greater loss of tooth surface enamel. Home care instructions will be followed when the reasons for timing of toothbrushing, rinsing after vomiting, and use of fluoride are explained. Careful selection of beverages and snacks will help reduce the risk of further erosion and dental caries. Comprehensive dental procedures should not be undertaken until significant improvement in vomiting behavior or complete recovery has occurred.