Dental Loss in the Lower Socioeconomic Stratum of a Sample of the Chilean Population Born in the 19TH and 20TH Centuries / Pérdida Dental en el Estrato Socioeconómico Bajo de una Muestra de la Población Chilena Nacida en los Siglos XIX y XX

SUMMARY: Partial or total dental loss (edentulism) is associated with decreased quality of life. Chile has large socioeconomic gaps, which are also recognized in oral health, but it is not known how Edentulism has evolved throughout the country. The aim of this study was to determine the edentulism in people born during the 19th and 20th centuries in Chile, who died in the 20th century, and to compare it with current data from the Chilean Ministry of Health (MINSAL) to observe its evolution in the country. For this purpose, 60 3D models of skulls from the Subactual Osteological Collection of Santiago were analyzed (30 individuals per sex), in which the presence and absence of teeth in antemortem in the maxilla were analyzed. A high percentage of tooth loss was observed, with 65 % partial edentulism, a 30 % total edentulism, and only 5 % had complete dentition in this osteological collection. In addition, a significant decrease over time was found; in 2017, the percentage of complete dentition at the national level was 32.8 %. A higher frequency of edentulism was also found in females from the osteological collection, with a significant probability of twice as much edentulism as in males. However, this sex difference was smaller than those found in the current study. Our study is the first to compare edentulism in Chile in two different time periods, since, in addition to studying it in the 19th and 20th century, it is carried out with data from the present day and in line with previous research, reveals the importance of socioeconomic and sex variables for dental loss.

La pérdida parcial o total de dientes (edentulismo) se asocia a una disminución de la calidad de vida. Chile tiene grandes brechas socioeconómicas, que también se reconocen en la salud oral, pero se desconoce cómo ha evolucionado el edentulismo en el país. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el edentulismo en personas nacidas durante los siglos XIX y XX en Chile y fallecidas en el siglo XX, y compararlo con datos actuales del Ministerio de Salud de Chile (MINSAL) para observar su evolución en el país. Para ello, se analizaron 60 modelos 3D de cráneos de la Colección Osteológica Subactual de Santiago (30 individuos por sexo), en los que se analizó la presencia y ausencia de dientes en dentición antemortem en el maxilar. Se observó un alto porcentaje de pérdida dentaria, con un 65 % de edentulismo parcial y un 30 % de edentulismo total, y sólo un 5 % presentaba dentición completa en esta colección osteológica. Además, se encontró una disminución significativa a lo largo del tiempo; en 2017, la dentición completa a nivel país fue del 32,8 %. También se encontró una mayor frecuencia de edentulismo en las mujeres de la colección osteológica, con una probabilidad significativa del doble de edentulismo que en los hombres. Sin embargo, esta diferencia de sexo fue menor que la hallada en datos actuales. Este estudio es el primero que compara el edentulismo en Chile en dos épocas diferentes, ya que además de estudiarlo en los siglos XIX y XX, se realizó con datos de la actualidad y, en línea con investigaciones previas, revela la importancia de las variables socioeconómicas y de sexo en la pérdida dental.

Determination of Micromovements in Removable Prosthesis during Mastication: A Pilot Study with 3D Electromagnetic Articulography.

Edentulism can generate negative impacts on self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and oral functions. Removable prostheses are commonly used for tooth replacement, but they may cause discomfort due to micromovements during mastication. Objective and quantifiable methods are needed to evaluate these micromovements. A pilot study was conducted to determine the micromovements in removable prostheses during mastication using a 3D electromagnetic articulography (EMA-3D) system. One elderly participant wearing lower removable prostheses and an upper total well-fitting removable prosthesis was studied. The EMA-3D system was used to record movements in three spatial planes. Peanuts were given as test food, and the participant was instructed to chew normally while recordings were carried out until feeling the need to swallow. Analyses of the upper total prosthesis show micromovements ranging from 0.63 ± 0.11 to 1.02 ± 0.13 mm. During simultaneous analyses of the upper prosthesis and lower partial prosthesis, interference was not observed. This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of using the EMA-3D system to evaluate micromovements in removable prostheses during mastication. Further research is needed to evaluate a larger sample and assess the clinical implications of these micromovements.

Fractura de mandíbula en pacientes parcialmente edéntulos. Alternativa de tratamiento cerrado. Serie de casos / Mandibular fractures in partially edentulous patients. Closed treatment alternatives. A Cases series

Para el tratamiento de fracturas mandibulares existen protocolos cuyo propósito primordial es la función temprana. Existen diversos motivos por los cuales no se puede ejecutar ciertas técnicas en Venezuela, principalmente por problemas económicos para la adquisición de materiales de osteosíntesis especializados. Por esta razón, se ha recurrido a técnicas quirúrgicas antiguas. Se presenta un estudio con diseño longitudinal de tipo descriptivo, para el reporte de serie de 5 casos clínicos de fracturas de mandíbula, con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: presentar fractura mandibular en pacientes dentados parcialmente con imposibilidad al acceso al material de osteosíntesis del sistema de cargas soportadas. Tratados bajo procedimiento quirúrgico cerrado, la condición de edentulismo parcial confiere a la fractura de mandíbula inestabilidad, dificulta la reducción anatómica, pérdida de dimensión vertical y transversal, las que se recuperan a través de la elaboración de férulas tipo Gunning modificadas. Estas férulas se mantuvieron en posición con alambrados de suspensión ósea tipo circummandibulares y circumzigomáticos, como medios para establecer estabilidad en el tiempo. Se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios, por lo que, aún hoy en día se pueden plantear como opciones de tratamiento.

For the treatment of mandibular fractures, there are protocols whose primary purpose is early function. However, several reasons prevent the execution of these techniques in Venezuela, mainly due to economic problems regarding the acquisition of specialized osteosynthesis materials. As a result, there is a necessity to resort to old surgical techniques. A study with a descriptive longitudinal design is presented, reporting 5 clinical cases of jaw fractures with the following inclusion criteria: presenting a mandibular fracture in partially dentate patients with impossibility of accessing the osteosynthesis material of the load-bearing system. The treatment conducted under closed surgical procedures. The condition of partial edentulism confers instability to the mandible fracture, hindering anatomical reduction and causing a loss of vertical and transverse dimension. These issues are addressed through the utilization of modified Gunning-type splints, which help in recovery. The splints were maintained in position with circum-mandibular and circum-zygomatic bone suspension wiring as a means to establish stability over time. Satisfactory results were obtained, indicating that these techniques can still be considered as treatment options today.

Aging and Oral Health: Biological and Sociobehavioral Perspectives.

As the life expectancy and growth of the aging population increase globally, efforts to promote healthy longevity become more important. Holistic policy guidelines and actions have been designed to advocate and fortify healthy aging at multiple levels. Oral health, a fundamental contributor of overall health and well-being, forms a core part of the noncommunicable disease agenda within the sustainable development goals set by the World Health Organization. Aging significantly heightens the risk of myriad oral disorders and other noncommunicable diseases. As of 2019, oral disorders accounted for 8.9 million disability-adjusted life-years in individuals older than 60 y. In addition to the development of multidisciplinary aging-friendly policies to promote healthy aging, basic biology and translational research has been encouraged that focuses on deciphering the underlying mechanisms involved in age-related physical and cognitive decline or dysregulation of oral tissues. Given the relevance of oral health aging as a critical component of the One Health Initiative, this special issue encompasses a collection of articles dedicated to recent advances in the behavioral and social implications of age-related oral diseases and tooth loss on several aspects of the quality of life of adults as they age. Furthermore, it includes articles detailing molecular mechanisms associated with cellular aging and their implications for oral tissue health, periodontal disease severity, and the regenerative potential of stem cells.

Tooth Loss and Caries Experience of Elderly Chileans in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Five Regions of Chile.

Risk factors associated with tooth loss have been studied; however, the current status of the epidemiological profiles and the impact of the pandemic on the oral health of the elderly is still unknown. This study aims to determine the experience of caries and tooth loss among elderly Chilean citizens in five regions and to identify the risk factors associated with tooth loss. The sample includes 135 participants over 60 years old assessed during COVID-19 lockdown. Sociodemographic variables such as education and RSH (Social Registry of Households) were obtained through a teledentistry platform called TEGO. The history of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, depression and dental caries reported by DMFT index scores were incorporated. The statistical analysis included Adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs) to assess risk factors associated with the lack of functional dentition. Multivariate hypothesis testing was used to compare the mean equality of DMFT and its components between regions (p-value < 0.05). Individuals with RSH ≤ 40% were at higher risk of having no functional dentition with OR 4.56 (95% CI: 1.71, 12.17). The only mean difference between regions was the filled tooth component. Tooth loss was associated with multidimensional lower income, where the elderly belonging to the 40% most vulnerable population had a higher prevalence of non-functional dentition. This study highlights the importance of implementing a National Oral Health Policy that focuses on oral health promotion and minimally invasive dentistry for the most vulnerable population.

Prosthodontic outcomes of mandibular overdenture treatment with one or two implants: 4-year results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of prosthodontic maintenance events and complications during 4 years of follow-up after mandibular overdenture treatment with one or two implants. METHODS: Participants received one or two implants inserted in the midline (1-IOD group) or the lateral incisor-canine area bilaterally (2-IOD group). Implants were loaded with an early loading protocol after 3 weeks. Programmed recall visits were scheduled at the 6-, 12-, 36-, and 48-month follow-ups and nonprogrammed visits in case of prosthodontic complaints. The type of maintenance was registered, and the final treatment outcome was classified as successful, surviving, unknown, dead, repair, or retreatment. RESULTS: Forty-seven participants, mean age 65.4 ± 8.6, 74.5% female, were included (1-IOD = 23; 2-IOD = 24) and 44 completed the 4-year follow-up. A total of 159 prosthodontic maintenance events occurred and 89 in unscheduled visits. The most common event was the need for minor modifications of the denture base due to sore spots in the oral mucosa (n = 56 in 31 patients), matrix activation (n = 54 in 34 patients), and overdenture fracture (n = 25 in 18 patients). A "successful" or "surviving" outcome could be attributed to 57.5% of cases, whereas 38.3% needed repair. No significant differences in the incidence of prosthodontic events or treatment outcomes were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings show that 1-IODs perform similar to 2-IODs when considering the incidence of fractures and the need for prosthodontic maintenance, including adjustments of the overdenture and the attachment system.

Retrospective analysis of the predictability of using three-dimensional models for preoperative planning of the length of zygomatic implants.

PURPOSE: This present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the predictability of using three-dimensional models (TDMs) to plan the preoperative lengths of zygomatic implants (ZIs). METHODS: The records of all patients that received such implants between March 2007 and March 2019 were evaluated. The ZI lengths predicted on the TDMs were compared to the lengths of the implants the patients received. RESULTS: In total, the records of 74 patients were evaluated, of which 37 records met the criteria of inclusion, and were included in the study. Twenty-seven (73%) of the patients were female and 10 (27%) were male, ranging from 34 to 80 years of age, with the average age being 55.7 years. Seventeen (43.2%) of these patients were classified as ASA I and 21 (56.8%) as ASA II. A total of 142 ZIs were planned and installed in the time frame mentioned. Without distinguishing the region of the maxilla, the implants used were, on average, 1.1 mm larger in length than those initially planned. CONCLUSION: Overall, the data indicates moderate agreement between the planned and surgical lengths of the ZIs and indicates that using TDMs is a predictable and reliable preoperative planning technique of the length of posterior ZIs.

Comparative Analysis of Edentulism in a Sample of Mexican Adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes.

The objective of the present study was to compare the prevalence of edentulism in Mexican adults with and without a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) when they are seeking dental care. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1921 medical records of Mexican adults 40 years of age and older who sought dental care at clinics of a public university in Mexico. The dependent variable was edentulism, clinically determined through an oral examination. The main independent variable was the self-report of previous T2DM diagnosis made by a physician. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic and behavioral covariates were included in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Overall edentulism prevalence was 8.4% (95% CI = 7.1-9.6). The prevalence of T2DM was 14.3% (n = 274). The prevalence of edentulism among individuals with T2DM was 13.1%, but only 7.6% among individuals without T2DM. In the multivariate binary logistic regression model, a previous T2DM diagnosis increased the probability of being edentulous 1.61 times (95% CI = 1.03-2.50). For each year a person's age increased, the likelihood of being edentulous increased by 12% (95% CI = 10-14%). In summary, a higher prevalence of edentulism was present in Mexican adults with T2DM and in those of older age. This information may be used by dental care providers and health policymakers to improve approaches to preventive care, as well as to characterize and anticipate care needs more accurately for the adult and older adult populations.

Influencia del uso de prótesis dental en la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores

Introducción: El envejecimiento es un fenómeno presente a lo largo del ciclo vital, desde el mismo proceso de la concepción hasta la muerte, donde el uso de prótesis dental puede influir en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Determinar la influencia del uso de prótesis dental en la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores de la clínica privada Dental C&S Luis Fernando Criollo, Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 23 ancianos seleccionados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. La recolección de la información se realió mediante una encuesta validada por expertos. Se analizó el uso de prótesis total, tiempo de su uso, problemas en la masticación, desajuste con facilidad y a qué lo atribuye, afección de la mucosa bucal por la masticación, tiempo en tomar los alimentos y características de estos. Resultados: Predominó del uso de prótesis total (62,5 %) con más de 2 años de uso (59,1 %). El 59,5 % refirió tener problemas en la masticación al usar las prótesis y que se les desajustaban con facilidad (54,5 %), atribuyen esto último al consumo de alimentos duros (50,0 %). Se encontró la presencia de lesiones en las encías en el 56,5 % de los encuestados, los que demoraban alrededor de 40 minutos en tomar sus comidas. Conclusiones: El uso de prótesis influye en la calidad de vida del adulto mayor al afectar la masticación, desajustarse la prótesis al ingerir alimentos duros, presentar lesiones en la mucosa bucal y utilizar más tiempo en la toma de sus alimentos.

Introduction: Aging is a phenomenon present throughout the life cycle, from the beginning to end of life, where the use of dental prostheses may have a great impact on the quality of life. Objective: To determine the influence of the use of dental prostheses on the quality of life of the older adult patients treated in the private dental clinic Dental C&S Dr. Luis Fernando Criollo, located in the city of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 23 elderly people selected by non-probabilistic sampling. The information was collected by means of a survey validated by experts. It was analyzed the use of total prosthesis, time of use, chewing problems, easily misaligned and the causes, affectation of the buccal mucosa caused by chewing, time in taking food and its characteristics. Results: The use of total prosthesis was predominant (62.5%) in the adults studied and 59.1% of them referred have been using it for more than 2 years. The 59.5% reported chewing problems when using the prosthesis, 54.5% reported a frequent prosthesis misalignment, in which 50.0% of them reported the consumption of hard foods as main cause. The 56.5% of respondents was found with gums problem and they took approximately 40 minutes to eat their meals. Conclusions: The use of prostheses have a great impact on the quality of life of older adults, causing on them chewing problems and misalignment when eating hard foods, presenting lesions in the oral mucosa and taking more time to eat.

Introdução: O envelhecimento é um fenômeno presente em todo o ciclo vital, desde o próprio processo de concepção até a morte, onde o uso de próteses dentárias pode influenciar na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Determinar a influência do uso de próteses dentárias na qualidade de vida dos idosos da clínica privada Dental C&S Luis Fernando Criollo, Esmeraldas, Equador. Método: Estudo transversal descritivo realizado em 23 idosos selecionados por amostragem não probabilística. A coleta de informações foi realizada por meio de uma pesquisa validada por especialistas. Foram analisados o uso de prótese total, tempo de uso, problemas mastigatórios, desalinhamento com facilidade e a que se atribui, acometimento da mucosa oral devido à mastigação, tempo gasto para se alimentar e suas características. Resultados: Predominou o uso de prótese total (62,5%) com mais de 2 anos de uso (59,1%). 59,5% relataram ter problemas de mastigação ao usar as próteses e que elas se desajustavam facilmente (54,5%), atribuem isso ao consumo de alimentos duros (50,0%). A presença de lesões gengivais foi constatada em 56,5% dos entrevistados, que demoravam em torno de 40 minutos para realizar suas refeições. Conclusões: O uso de prótese influencia na qualidade de vida do idoso por afetar a mastigação, desajustar a prótese ao ingerir alimentos duros, apresentar lesões na mucosa oral e passar mais tempo comendo.

The influence of nocturnal use of complete dentures on cardiorespiratory parameters of patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether wearing complete dentures during sleep influences the cardiorespiratory parameters of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to determine whether wearing complete dentures during sleep influences the cardiorespiratory parameters of patients with OSA. An electronic search was performed in four databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SCOPUS, and in the gray literature (TRIALS) until November 2021. This review included clinical trials, randomized clinical trials, and studies in which patients using conventional complete dentures were diagnosed with OSA using polysomnography and the cardiorespiratory parameters were measured using oximetry or polysomnography during sleep. RESULTS: In total, 788 references were found in the database, and 12 articles were selected for full reading. Six articles were selected for qualitative and quantitative analyses after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and reading the full article. The meta-analysis showed that mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) increased with the use of complete dentures (p = 0.001), but the other parameters showed no significant differences between those wearing and not wearing dentures during sleep. CONCLUSIONS: The mean SpO2 reduced in patients wearing complete dentures, but the other cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated were not affected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study indicates a possible influence of the use of complete dentures on the mean SpO2 during sleep. The use of complete denture could aid other treatments in improving respiratory and sleep quality.

Immediately loaded single-implant mandibular overdentures compared to conventional complete dentures: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the single-implant mandibular overdenture (SIMO) has been proposed as an alternative to more complex overdenture designs as a simplified implant intervention for edentulous patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to run a cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a randomized clinical trial comparing the SIMO and the conventional complete denture (CCD) treatment. Imediately loaded external hexagon implant and ball attachment were used for the overdenture goup. Direct costs related to therapies were identified and valuated throughout a 1-year period after delivery, in Brazilian currency (R$) and converted into international dollars (I$) using purchase power parity exchange rates. Treatment effectiveness was measured using the OHIP-Edent and satisfaction scores for calculation of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). RESULTS: Outcomes were assessed at the 1-year follow-up for 65 patients (CCD=34; SIMO=31). Overall OHIP-Edent and satisfaction scores improved significantly in the SIMO group, while remained unchanged in the CCD group. The mean overall costs were R$1,179.04 (I$590.99) for the CCD group and R$2,127.91 (I$1,068.20) for the SIMO group - 80.7% incremental cost for SIMO. The ICER calculation for SIMO treatment showed a mean cost of I$48.20 for 1-point reduction in OHIP-Edent scores, and I$12.56 for 1-point increase in satisfaction score. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the effectiveness of this simplified and low-cost implant intervention for edentulous patients. SIMO also seems a cost-effective alternative to the CCD and the relatively low incremental cost may potentially increase the utilization of dental implants among older subjects, especially those with limited financial resources. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The immediately loaded single-implant mandibular overdenture was superior to the conventional complete denture in terms of patient-reported outcome measures at a low incremental cost.

Association of Edentulism with Various Chronic Diseases in Mexican Elders 60+ Years: Results of a Population-Based Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of edentulism with different chronic diseases and mental disorders in Mexicans aged 60 years and over. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the World Health Survey for Mexico, in a probabilistic, multi-stage cluster sampling framework. Data for self-report of chronic diseases (diabetes, arthritis, angina pectoris and asthma), mental disorders (depression and schizophrenia) and edentulism were analyzed. Edentulism data were available for 20 of the 32 States of Mexico. Statistical analysis was performed in Stata 14.0 using the svy module for complex sampling (Complex nature under which individuals are sampled). RESULTS: In total 4213 subjects were included, representing a population of 7,576,057 individuals. Mean age was 70.13 ± 7.82 years (range 60 to 98); 56.2% were women. Chronic diseases' prevalence and mental disorders prevalence were as follows: diabetes 15.0% (N = 1,132,693); arthritis 13.2% (N = 1,001,667); depression 5.5% (N = 414,912); angina pectoris 4.5% (344,315); asthma 3.6% (N = 269,287); and schizophrenia 2.2% (N = 16,988). The prevalence of edentulism was 26.3%, which pertained to 1,993,463 people aged 60 years and over. Angina in women aged 60 to 69 years (p < 0.05) and depression in men aged 70 years and over (p < 0.0001) were associated with higher prevalence of edentulism. CONCLUSIONS: There was generally sparse association between edentulism on chronic diseases and mental disorders included in the study, except for women aged 60 to 69 years for angina, and in men aged 70 and over, for depression. Although our findings are misaligned with previous reports, longitudinal studies are required to test causal and temporal relationships between edentulism with chronic diseases and mental disorders.

Patients With Metabolic Syndrome May Experience More Tooth Loss and Poorer Functional Dentition Than Those Without Metabolic Syndrome.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Association between metabolic syndrome and tooth loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Souza ML, Massignan C, Glazer Peres K, Aurélio Peres M. J Am Dent Assoc 2019;150(12):1027-1039.e7. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Government. Foundation for Research and Innovation Support of Santa Catarina State (Brazil), Coordination of Improvement of Higher Level Personnel (Brazil). TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Morbilidad en ancianos con pérdida dentaria / Morbidity in elderly with dental loss

Introducción: La pérdida dentaria tiene consecuencias en la apariencia y en la función fisiológica general del adulto mayor, lo cual constituye un problema aún no resuelto en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Objetivo: Describir la morbilidad en adultos mayores con pérdida de dientes permanentes. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y de corte transversal en la Clínica Simón Bolívar del municipio de Diego Ibarra, perteneciente al estado venezolano de Carabobo, desde enero hasta junio del 2016. El universo estuvo constituido por 100 adultos mayores de 60 años y más, ambos sexos y desdentados parciales o totales. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, higiene bucal, número de dientes permanentes perdidos, así como el tipo de aparatología protésica requerida. Se emplearon las frecuencias relativa y absoluta como medidas de resumen. Resultados: Se encontró que 73,0 % de los ancianos perdieron sus dientes por caries dental, siendo las féminas y el grupo de 60-64 años de edad el más afectado. Asimismo, predominaron la higiene bucal deficiente y la necesidad de prótesis parcial. Conclusiones: Existió una elevada morbilidad en los adultos mayores con pérdida dentaria, lo cual afectó su funcionalidad, estética y autoestima, que de no ser corregida pudiera provocar consecuencias importantes en la cavidad bucal y en el resto del cuerpo, sin olvidar la prevención o detección precoz de cualquier otra enfermedad bucal que la genere.

Introduction: Dental loss has consequences in the elderly general physiologic function and appearance, that constitutes an unsolved problem in the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela. Objective: To describe the morbidity in elderly with loss of permanent teeth. Method: A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out in Simón Bolívar Clinic from Diego Ibarra municipality, belonging to Carabobo in Venezuela, from January to June, 2016. The universe was constituted by 100 elderly of 60 years and more from both sexes and partially or totally toothless. The analyzed variables were age, sex, oral hygiene, number of lost permanent teeth, as well as the type of prosthesis required. The relative and absolute frequencies were used as summary measures. Results: It was found that 73.0 % of the elderly lost their teeth due to dental decay, being women and the 60-64 age group the most affected one. Also, the poor oral hygiene and the necessity of partial prosthesis prevailed. Conclusions: A high morbidity existed in elderly with dental loss, which affected their functionality, aesthetics and self-esteem that could cause important consequences in the oral cavity and in the rest of the body if it is not corrected, without forgetting the prevention or early detection of any other oral disease that generates it.

The course from tooth loss to successful rehabilitation with denture: Feelings influenced by socioeconomic status.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the perception of users of complete dentures (successful cases) provided by the public health service throughout the course from tooth loss to rehabilitation. METHODS: A total of 11 individuals who received their complete dentures through the public health service were interviewed according to a qualitative approach based on three pre-established topics: (1) tooth loss, (2) living without teeth, and (3) living with dentures. The obtained material was submitted to content analysis. RESULTS: Individuals associated the socioeconomic status with lifelong oral health experiences and difficulty to access oral treatment. Tooth loss was the solution to pain and sometimes perceived as a natural event of life. Living without teeth was a negative surprise that resulted in physical and psychological impairments. The period of adaptation to dentures represented suffering and required psychological efforts to be successful. CONCLUSION: The dentures represented a reward for the suffering and recovered normal function, appearance, and socialization.

Is tooth loss important when evaluating perceived general health? Findings from a nationally representative study of Costa Rican adults.

OBJECTIVES: Although previous studies have shown that oral diseases can impact certain systemic conditions, dental care has been historically separated from medical healthcare organizations in middle-income countries. There is a lack of research approaches which test the independent relationship between oral health and multidimensional measures of general health. This study analyses the influence of tooth loss on self-rated health (SRH), hypothesizing that, relatively to certain morbidity conditions, tooth loss is a health condition associated with SRH. This study analyses the influence of tooth loss on self-rated health (SRH), hypothesizing that, relative to certain morbidity conditions, tooth loss is a health condition associated with SRH. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study 1945-1955 Retirement Cohort, a national representative longitudinal survey including residents born between 1945 and 1955. The association between severe tooth loss and SRH was analysed cross-sectionally using the first wave of the study conducted in 2010. A multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders, was performed on 2797 participants. A counterfactual analysis was additionally performed to illustrate the theoretical change on SRH prevalence-if all the participants were not to have had severe tooth loss. RESULTS: Severe tooth loss was associated with poor SRH, after adjustment for smoking, morbidity, biomarkers and performance-based physical measures. The counterfactual analysis showed that severe tooth loss was the fifth most important morbidity condition in determining poor SRH. Declaring a poor SRH would have been decreased by 2.0 percentage points if those participants having severe tooth loss had shared the same risk pattern of those who had not lost the majority of their teeth. CONCLUSION: Individuals consider their oral health status to a similar extent as other morbidity conditions when evaluating their general health. A stronger focus on oral health, and its impact on general health, could lead to better planning of national resources, thereby improving accessibility to health care and modifying prevailing conceptions of health care in low- and middle-income countries.

Indicators of oral health in older adults with and without the presence of multimorbidity: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in the distribution of various indicators of oral health among elderly people with and without multimorbidity (ie, two or more chronic diseases). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted using a sample of Mexican elderly individuals aged ≥60 years. The average age of the cohort was 79.06±9.78 years, and 69.1% were women. The variables indicating oral health were as follows: functional dentition, edentulism, hyposalivation, xerostomia, root caries and periodontitis. The multimorbidity variable was operationally categorized as follows: 0= subjects with no chronic disease or one chronic disease and 1= subjects with two or more chronic diseases. Questionnaires were used to collect information on various variables regarding general health. Likewise, the participants underwent a clinical oral examination. The analysis was performed using Stata 11.0. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of multimorbidity was 27.3%. The prevalences of various oral health indicators were as follows: without functional dentition 89.9%; hyposalivation 59.7%; edentulism 38.9% and self-reported xerostomia 25.2%. Dental caries were observed in 95.3% of the subjects, and the prevalence of severe periodontitis was 80%. We found a significant difference only in edentulism; its prevalence was higher among subjects with multimorbidity (55.3% vs 32.7%, P=0.015) than among those without multimorbidity. CONCLUSION: The presence of edentulism in this sample of Mexican older adults was higher in subjects with multimorbidity. Multimorbidity and oral diseases constitute a true challenge in elderly people, because they affect quality of life and are associated with high health care costs.

Healing differences in narrow diameter implants submitted to immediate and conventional loading in mandibular overdentures: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Biological responses to different loading protocols during the bone healing phase in subjects with long time since edentulism, rehabilitated with narrow diameter implants (NDIs) to retain mandibular overdentures (MOs), are still unavailable. OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial compared the peri-implant health, implant stability, and concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) in mandibular edentulous patients under conventional (CL) and immediate loading (IML) during healing. METHODOLOGY: Twenty totally edentulous patients received two NDIs (2.9 × 10 mm, Facility NeoPoros) placed in mandible anterior region and were randomly assigned to two loading protocols: CL (n = 10) and IML (n = 10). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery: (a) peri-implant tissue health (gingival index-GI, plaque index-PI, calculus-presence CP, probing depth-PD, and bleeding on probing-BOP); (b) implant stability quotient (ISQ); and (c) IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels in the PICF analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: The CL group showed significantly higher CP scores at weeks 8 and 12. The IML group showed significantly higher GI from the first week onwards. The IML group presented significantly lower PD at all follow-up times, and higher BOP rates than CL at week 12. The ISQ values of the CL group were higher than those of the IML group, except at week 4. The IML group released significantly more TNF-α between weeks 1 and 4 and more IL-1ß during week 4-12, while releasing less IL-6 until week 8, mainly at week 2 (-47.6%). The release of IL-10 was similar for both groups and increased progressively over time. At week 12, the IML group released 45.74% more IL-10 than the CL group. The survival rates were 95% and 90% for CL and IML, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IML group presented more favorable PD at all evaluation times; the differences between the other clinical parameters were less systematic. The implant stability and the inflammatory marker concentrations were more stable in the CL group.

Mini-Implants for Mandibular Overdentures: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis alongside a Randomized Trial.

Mandibular overdentures retained by 2 conventional implants have been considered the standard of care for complete edentulism, according to the McGill and York consensuses. However, many patients refuse this treatment modality due to the associated costs and postsurgical discomfort. Mini-implants have the chance to overcome these limitations due to their potentially lower costs and a relatively uncomplicated surgical technique. This study compared treatment costs and incremental cost-effectiveness following the insertion of mini-implants (2 or 4) or 2 standard-size implants for the retention of mandibular overdentures, by means of a randomized clinical trial. In total, 120 edentulous participants (mean age 59.5 ± 8.5 y) were randomly allocated into 3 groups according to treatment received: 4 mini-implants (group 1), 2 mini-implants (group 2), or 2 standard implants (group 3). Treatment costs and outcomes (Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous [OHIP-EDENT] and satisfaction with the dentures) were evaluated after 6 mo. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated for each intervention in terms of cost per 1-point change in patient outcomes. A 1-way sensitivity analysis was performed considering a 95% confidence interval variation in cost and outcome parameters, represented in tornado diagrams. Overall treatment cost was the lowest for group 2 (average cost: US$318.08), followed by group 1 (US$510.75) and group 3 (US$566.13). Groups did not differ in terms of the length of unscheduled appointments and time spent by participants. In summary, our findings indicate that mandibular overdentures retained by 2 or 4 mini-implants are less costly compared to 2-implant overdentures. Despite the lower costs of overdentures retained by 2 mini-implants, those retained by 4 mini-implants showed further improvement in patient-reported outcomes and reduced costs compared to standard implants ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01411683). Knowledge Transfer Statement: This report shows that mini-implant retained overdentures are less costly than overdenture treatment on 2 standard-sized implants. Treatment with 2 mini-implants is an effective procedure to substantially save resources, whereas treatment with 4 mini-implants provides better results from a patient perspective combined with slightly reduced costs compared to the treatment with 2 standard implants. Therefore, mini-implant overdentures may be effective and more accessible than overdentures on 2 standard-size implants for those with limited incomes.

A Contemporary Framework and Suprastructure Ceramic Design for Posterior Implant Fixed Partial Denture.

Bone and soft tissue deformities in long-standing partial edentulism are commonly treated with implant therapy. The various ceramic restorative systems available and digital technology allow for customization of design and material selection. A substructure design that mimics tooth preparation in a custom zirconia framework with a lithium disilicate suprastructure is presented as an effort to address the functional and esthetic challenges posed by long-standing posterior partial edentulism. The aim is to present several contemporary elements of design to address the functional, esthetic, and maintenance needs.