Oral frailty among dentate and edentate older adults in long-term care.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to compare oral frailty (OFr) among edentate and dentate older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and to clarify how edentulism and oral disease burden (ODB) of dentate older adults are associated with OFr. METHODS: The population of this study comprised 94 edentate and 209 dentate residents in LTCF in Helsinki, Finland, who had previously participated in a nutritional study. The participants underwent a clinical oral examination. The dentate residents were further divided into three ODB groups based on asymptotic dental score. The edentate and different ODB groups were compared with each other regarding demographics and oral and medical findings. OFr was defined as ≥ 2 of following: having a diet of soft/pureed food, residue of food in the oral cavity, inability to keep the mouth open during examination, unclearness of speech, dry mouth. The association between OFr and edentulousness and various levels of ODB was analyzed by a multivariate logistic model. RESULTS: Participants with low ODB had significantly less OFr than their edentate peers (p = 0.009). Furthermore, the edentate and dentate with high ODB had similar odds for OFr. CONCLUSIONS: Edentulousness and high ODB are equally harmful conditions and may predispose to OFr. This study suggests that maintaining healthy natural teeth and good oral health (low ODB) may protect against OFr. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa approved the protocols for the nutritional status and oral healthcare studies and the merging of the data, including patient medical records (Register number HUS/968/2017).

Comparison of treatment outcomes and time efficiency between a digital complete denture and conventional complete denture: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The authors of this study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes and time efficiency between digital and conventional complete denture restorations and propose suggestions for clinical use. METHODS: The authors used digital (functionally suitable digital complete denture [FSD]) and conventional complete denture restorations to make 2 dentures each for 10 edentulous patients. All the operations of both techniques before denture delivery were completed in the first 4 visits, and then 2 dentures were delivered successively for the patients. The clinical and laboratory times were recorded to evaluate the time efficiency; treatment outcomes were evaluated via scoring the denture satisfaction of the dentist and patients in a double-blind manner. RESULTS: The satisfaction scores of FSDs (7.6-9.6 [dentist's scores], 8.4-10 [patients' scores]) were higher than those of conventional dentures (7.2-9.7 [dentist's score], 7.4-9.8 [patients' scores]), but there were no significant differences. The clinical and laboratory operation times of the FSD group were less than those of the conventional group, saving an average of 28.0 minutes and 64.3 minutes in the clinic and laboratory, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: FSD technology can improve the efficiency of clinical and laboratory operations and shorten the manufacturing cycle of dentures. The occlusion stability of FSDs was statistically better than that of traditional dentures, but there was no statistical difference in other clinical indicators. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: FSD technology is low cost and easy to operate and has several applications. Compared with conventional complete denture restoration technology, FSDs can save time and have a comparable clinical effect. This clinical trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The registration number is ChiCTR1900021722.

Effect of physical and psychological status on oral health quality of life of geriatric patients undergoing complete denture treatment.

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate differences in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in denture wearers based on psychological classification and patient satisfaction. Settings and Design: A prospective study. Materials and Methods: 284 patients, aged 30 years and above who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were recruited. Participants answered the OHIP - EDENT questionnaire at the time of denture insertion and 6 months later. Psychological categorization was based on MM House classification. Patient satisfaction was graded from totally satisfied to not very satisfied. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 23 version was used for analyzing descriptive and inferential statistics. ANOVA was used to find significant differences for OHRQoL based on psychological classification and patient satisfaction. Before and after intervention analysis was assessed using student 't' test. Results: Philosophical and exacting patients had better adaptation to dentures than the hysterical and indifferent class of denture wearers. Totally satisfied and very satisfied patients with dentures had lesser mean scores as against the other categories which was significant in all domains suggesting better. Overall, OHIP - EDENT score decreased from 20.253 ± 12.466 to 17.168 ± 14.143, which were significant at P =0.043, thus showing an improvement after a 6 month follow up. Conclusions: Psychological attitude of denture wearers must be considered by the prosthetic specialist for effective adaptation and acceptance by the edentulous patient.

Interarch space assessment in edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete removable dentures using open-access software.

BACKGROUND: The interarch space is defined as the vertical space between the edentulous ridge and the occlusal or incisal aspect of the opposing arch. Measuring the interarch space in a patient requiring an implant-supported fixed prosthesis is crucial for determining the prostheses to be used in each clinical situation. Depending on the measurements and other factors, such as the need for lip support or pink esthetics issues, decisions about the most convenient type of implant-supported prosthesis can be taken. Analogic workflow to measure the interarch space can represent a time-consuming and expensive procedure that may lead to inaccuracies. OBJECTIVE: To describe a step-by-step protocol to measure the upper and lower interarch space with open-access software, starting from the digital scan of the patient's complete dentures obtained with an intraoral scanner. METHODS: An extraoral scan (using an intraoral scanner) of the existing complete removable prosthesis is required to assess the interarch space for making an implant-supported prosthesis treatment planning. If the existing complete denture does not fulfill the required functional and esthetic parameters, a complete interim denture, a wax trial denture, or a printed denture prototype should be previously fabricated. The antagonist arch and the intermaxillary record scan also need to be obtained. Finally, all STL files are imported into an open-access software for measuring the interarch space. RESULTS: Open-source software can be used to measure the upper and lower interarch space from existing complete dentures following the step-by-step protocol outlined in this paper. CONCLUSION: Interarch space of edentulous patients rehabilitated with complete dentures can be measured with a 360 degrees scanning of the existing complete denture and open-access software by applying the protocol outlined in this paper. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinician can assess and digitally measure the interarch space of edentulous patients requiring an implant-supported fixed prosthesis using an open access software.

Digital occlusal analysis of pre and post single posterior implant restoration delivery: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to analyze the effects of single posterior implant restorations delivery on the redistribution of bite force and to evaluate the changes in occlusal force distribution of prostheses and potential influencing factors on occlusion variation at different stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two single posterior restorations in 30 participants (18 women and 12 men aged 27 to 75 years) were placed into either a unilateral single-tooth defect (n = 17) or on either side of a bilateral teeth defects (n = 15). The bite force (%) of the prostheses, teeth and segments at the maximum intercuspation position (MIP) was evaluated using a T-scan at 5 stages (pre-placement, immediately following placement, and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-placement). RESULTS: The occlusal force of implant-supported prostheses was significantly (P = .000) lower than those of the control natural teeth at the baseline, then no significant difference was found with that of the mesial teeth at 3 months, and finally it was significantly (P = .000) lower than that of the distal teeth at 6 months; meanwhile, it significantly (P = .008) increased by a mean of 2.04 times from 2 weeks (3.39 ± 2.61%) to 3 months (6.90 ± 4.77%), whereas no significant difference (P = .900) was found from 3 months (6.90 ± 4.77%) to 6 months (7.31 ± 4.60%). In addition, the bite force of the posterior segment on the restored side of both unilateral and bilateral gaps was significantly (P = .013,.001) improved by 3.31% and 6.83%, respectively, although the discrepancy in bite force significantly (P = .039) increased from an initial 3.52% to 5.02% for subjects with bilateral defects, accompanying increases in the proportion (15.38%) of the level III bilateral bite force deviation (P >.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bite force and masticatory ability can be improved with the immediate delivery of a single posterior implant restoration. The bite force distributed on the implant prosthesis inevitably increases after placement of implant prostheses, a routine follow-up and occlusal evaluation are strongly needed.

Do implant-supported prostheses affect bioavailability of nutrients of complete and partially edentulous patients? A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Debate still exists about the impact of dental implant-supported prostheses on nutritional status of partially and complete edentulous patients. This review aims to answer the focused question: "Do complete and partial edentulous patients, using implant-supported prostheses, present better nutritional and masticatory functions when compared to those using conventional rehabilitations?". A possible cause-effect relationship between masticatory improvements and nutritional gain was also evaluated. METHODS: Literature search included 6 databases (PubMed/Medline, Embase, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library - CENTRAL), grey literature (Google Scholar, Proquest Dissertations and Thesis and Open Grey databases) and manual search (last update June 2020), without language, publication time and follow-up restrictions. We included only studies evaluating both masticatory and nutritional outcomes. The PICO question comprised complete and partial edentulous patients (Population), submitted to implant-supported prostheses (Intervention), in comparison to conventional dental prosthetic rehabilitation, evaluating masticatory function and nutrition parameters (outcomes). Risk of bias was assessed by using Cochrane Collaboration's tool (randomized clinical trials), Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist (paired clinical trials), and Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument" (JBI - MAStARI) critical appraisal tools (cohort studies). All meta-analyses were conducted at 5% level of significance. This report followed the PRISMA guidelines. (Review registration PROSPERO - CRD42019135744). RESULTS: We identified 1199 articles while searching databases. Fourteen articles met eligibility criteria, including 817 prostheses installed in 660 patients (mean age = 66.8 years-old). Patients wearing implant overdentures (IOD) presented better masticatory function in comparison to conventional complete denture (CD) wearers (p < 0.05). However, bioavailability of several nutrients remained within the same range, except for serum folate that was lower in IOD patients after 6 (mean difference 3.51 nmol/L; p = 0.01) and 12 months of rehabilitation (mean difference 3.69 nmol/L; p = 0.003). When comparing the effects of CD and IOD rehabilitations along time (for the same patient), serum albumin and vitamin B12 levels also decreased for both groups after 12 months-follow-up, but still within the reference range. The additional retention of the implants did not interfere in body weight, but reduced the risk of malnutrition (using the Mini Nutritional Assessment). Implant-supported partial prostheses also improved mastication in comparison to the conventional ones, increasing short-term daily intake of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, fiber, and iron, whereas decreasing the consumption of cholesterol. However, no long-term changes on bioavailability of most nutrients were observed, expect for a slight increase in ferritin and cholinesterase, and a small reduction in folate and Vitamin A. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicates significant masticatory improvements for dental fixed implant-supported prostheses in comparison to conventional removable prostheses. However, bioavailability remained stable for most of the nutrients, especially for complete edentulous patients. These results indicate the importance of a multidisciplinary approach during oral rehabilitation (nutrient specialist), in order to enhance food choices and promote health benefits to the patients.

NETs Are Double-Edged Swords with the Potential to Aggravate or Resolve Periodontal Inflammation.

Periodontitis is a general term for diseases characterised by inflammatory destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, gradual destruction of the marginal periodontal ligament and resorption of alveolar bone. Early-onset periodontitis is due to disturbed neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and clearance. Indeed, mutations that inactivate the cysteine proteases cathepsin C result in the massive periodontal damage seen in patients with deficient NET formation. In contrast, exaggerated NET formation due to polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) hyper-responsiveness drives the pathology of late-onset periodontitis by damaging and ulcerating the gingival epithelium and retarding epithelial healing. Despite the gingival regeneration, periodontitis progression ends with almost complete loss of the periodontal ligament and subsequent tooth loss. Thus, NETs help to maintain periodontal health, and their dysregulation, either insufficiency or surplus, causes heavy periodontal pathology and edentulism.

Semiprecision attachment: a connecting link between the removable and fixed prosthesis.

Oral rehabilitation of partially edentulous arches requires careful treatment planning before any prosthodontic intervention. The connection of the metal framework of fixed (fixed dental prosthesis (FPD)) and removable partial denture using adhesive attachments is a good alternative prosthetic option when solely fixed prosthesis (FPD or implant) cannot be used due to anatomical limitation. Attachments are the tiny interlocking devices that act as a hybrid link to join removable prosthesis to the abutment and direct the masticatory forces along the long axis of the abutment. This joint acts as a non-rigid stress breaker, which helps in distributing the occlusal load. Precision and semiprecision attachment have always been bordered by an aura of mystery due to technique sensitive procedure and lack of knowledge. The following case describes a combined contemporary and conventional approach and treatment sequence with the use of attachments for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous arches.

Full Digital Workflow for the Treatment of an Edentulous Patient with Guided Surgery, Immediate Loading and 3D-Printed Hybrid Prosthesis: The BARI Technique 2.0. A Case Report.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique intended to transfer of the intermaxillary and occlusal relationships in a fully digital environment from a complete denture to an implant-supported 3D-printed hybrid prosthesis (an acrylic resin complete fixed dental prosthesis supported by implants). METHODS: In edentulous cases, the physiological mandibular position should be determined before the immediate loading procedures. In some cases, the use of interim removable prostheses for a few weeks could be useful to test the new occlusion in centric relation and to verify the prosthetic project. When the correct intermaxillary relationships are achieved, it is difficult to transfer them from the provisional to the final prostheses, as impressions or scans of edentulous arches do not have reference points for intermaxillary records. This paper presents a complex case and the technique used to transfer information from a complete denture to an implant-supported prosthesis with a digital workflow. A prosthetic stent has been used to scan the edentulous mandibular arch and to record the intermaxillary relation. RESULTS: The delivery of the hybrid implant-supported prostheses was carried out with no problems and minimal occlusal adjustments. The patient was extremely satisfied with the treatment and the situation remained stable at the 1-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The approach described in the present article predictably maintains prosthetic information and allows the delivery of a final implant-supported restoration with the same occlusal relationship as the one tested with the provisional diagnostic dentures.

Trueness of digital intraoral impression in reproducing multiple implant position.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trueness of 5 intraoral scanners (IOSs) for digital impression of simulated implant scan bodies in a partially edentulous model. A 3D printed partially edentulous mandible model made of Co-Cr with a total of 6 bilaterally positioned cylinders in the canine, second premolar, and second molar area served as the study model. Digital scans of the model were made with a reference scanner (steroSCAN neo) and 5 IOSs (CEREC Omnicam, CS3600, i500, iTero Element, and TRIOS 3) (n = 10). For each IOS's dataset, the XYZ coordinates of the cylinders were obtained from the reference point and the deviations from the reference scanner were calculated using a 3D reverse engineering program (Rapidform). The trueness values were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney post hoc test. Direction and amount of deviation differed among cylinder position and among IOSs. Regardless of the IOS type, the cylinders positioned on the left second molar, nearest to the scanning start point, showed the smallest deviation. The deviation generally increased further away from scanning start point towards the right second molar. TRIOS 3 and i500 outperformed the other IOSs for partially edentulous digital impression. The accuracy of the CEREC Omnicam, CS3600, and iTero Element were similar on the left side, but they showed more deviations on the right side of the arch when compared to the other IOSs. The accuracy of IOS is still an area that needs to be improved.

[Dissatisfaction with dental services among dentate and edentulous elderly Brazilians: a multilevel analysis]. / Insatisfação com os serviços odontológicos entre idosos brasileiros dentados e edentados: análise multinível.

The scope of this study was to evaluate dissatisfaction with dental services among dentate and edentulous elderly Brazilians and its association with contextual and individual variables. The data from the National Oral Health Survey conducted in 2010 and contextual variables related to cities were used. Descriptive, bivariate and multilevel analysis was conducted among 1,989 elderly individuals. Of these, 11.2% of dentate and 22.1% of edentulous elderly people were dissatisfied. Among the dentate individuals, dissatisfaction was associated with contextual variables (location of municipality, human development index, GINI Index, the presence of Dental Specialty Centers and the coverage of oral health in public service) and persons related to health care and oral health conditions. For the edentulous individuals, no associated contextual variables were identified. Only the motive for the use of the service and satisfaction with teeth and mouth were associated with dissatisfaction with dental services. A considerable prevalence of dissatisfaction with the services was identified, being higher among edentulous elderly Brazilians. Among dentate elderly Brazilians, an association with contextual variables was detected.

Avaliou-se a insatisfação com os serviços odontológicos entre idosos brasileiros dentados e edentados e sua associação com variáveis contextuais e individuais. Foram utilizados os dados do Levantamento Nacional de Saúde bucal realizado em 2010 e dados contextuais referentes aos municípios. Análises descritivas, bivariadas e multinível foram realizadas. Incluiu-se 1.989 idosos. Destes, 11,2% dos idosos dentados e 22,1% dos edentados estavam insatisfeitos. Entre os dentados, a insatisfação foi associada com variáveis contextuais (localização do município, índice de desenvolvimento humano, Índice de GINI, presença de Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas e cobertura das equipes de saúde bucal) e individuais pertencentes à atenção à saúde e condições de saúde bucal. Para os idosos edentados, não foi identificado associação com variáveis contextuais. Apenas o motivo do uso do serviço e a satisfação com dentes e boca foram associados. Identificou-se uma prevalência considerável de insatisfação com os serviços, sendo maior entre os idosos edentados. Entre os idosos dentados, foi observado associação com variáveis contextuais.

Changes in masticatory performance of edentulous patients treated with single-implant mandibular overdentures and conventional complete dentures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the effect of a single-implant mandibular overdenture (SIMO), compared with conventional complete denture (CD), on masticatory performance measured by the mixing ability of a two-coloured chewing gum. METHODS: A sample of edentulous subjects was randomly assigned to the SIMO (n = 15) and CD (n = 19) groups. Patients in both groups received a set of new complete dentures, and the SIMO group received a single implant in the symphyseal region of the mandible (Straumann® Standard Plus SLActive®) and an eliptical matrix and ball attachment for denture retention. Masticatory tests were performed using a two-colour chewing gum (Vivident Fruitswing, Perfetti van Melle, Turkey) for 20 and 50 chewing cycles. Colour-mixing ability was assessed by electronic colourimetric analysis (ViewGum©, Dhal Software, Greece), expressed by the variance of hue. Tests were performed at baseline and at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Multilevel linear regression was used to model the changes in masticatory performance. RESULTS: Groups were similar at baseline for 20 and 50 cycles (P > 0.05). A significant linear effect was observed on time points for 20 and 50 cycles (P < 0.001). No difference was observed between treatment groups factor (P > 0.05). However, the way masticatory performance varied according to time points differed in the CD and SIMO groups for 20 cycles (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Masticatory performance improved significantly after 12 months, irrespective to the insertion of a single implant to retain a mandibular overdenture. Moreover, results suggest that SIMO treatment may perform better than CD in the shorter follow-up period.

Oral health-related quality of life after prosthodontic treatment for patients with partial edentulism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Clinicians are currently unable to quantify the psychosocial, functional, and esthetic effects of prosthetic interventions to replace teeth. Understanding the effects of treatment to replace teeth on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is important for informed consent. A systematic review of the evidence of OHRQoL improvements with prosthodontic tooth replacement and a comparison of outcomes between treatment modalities is therefore indicated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the OHRQoL of patients with partial edentulism after different dental prosthetic treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic database and manual searches were conducted to identify cohort studies and clinical trials reporting on the OHRQoL of individuals receiving implant-supported crowns (ISCs), implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (IFDPs), implant-supported removable dental prostheses (IRDPs), tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (TFDPs), and removable partial dentures (RPDs). Two reviewers independently conducted article selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Random-effects models were used to compare OHRQoL change scores (standardized mean change, 95% confidence intervals). RESULTS: Of the 2147 identified studies, 2 randomized controlled trials and 21 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, studies were of low or moderate risk of bias. Pooled mean OHRQoL change ≤9 months was 15.3 for TFDP, 11.9 for RPD, and 14.9 for IFDP. Pooled standardized mean change OHRQoL change >9 months was 13.2 for TFDP and 15.8 for IFDP. Direct comparisons ≤9 months between TFDP against IFDP and RPD against IFDP significantly favored IFDP in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: TFDP and IFDP had short- and long-term positive effects on OHRQoL. RPDs positively affected OHRQoL in the short term. IFDP showed greater short-term improvement in OHRQoL than RPD and TFDP.

Insatisfação com os serviços odontológicos entre idosos brasileiros dentados e edentados: análise multinível / Dissatisfaction with dental services among dentate and edentulous elderly Brazilians: a multilevel analysis

Resumo Avaliou-se a insatisfação com os serviços odontológicos entre idosos brasileiros dentados e edentados e sua associação com variáveis contextuais e individuais. Foram utilizados os dados do Levantamento Nacional de Saúde bucal realizado em 2010 e dados contextuais referentes aos municípios. Análises descritivas, bivariadas e multinível foram realizadas. Incluiu-se 1.989 idosos. Destes, 11,2% dos idosos dentados e 22,1% dos edentados estavam insatisfeitos. Entre os dentados, a insatisfação foi associada com variáveis contextuais (localização do município, índice de desenvolvimento humano, Índice de GINI, presença de Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas e cobertura das equipes de saúde bucal) e individuais pertencentes à atenção à saúde e condições de saúde bucal. Para os idosos edentados, não foi identificado associação com variáveis contextuais. Apenas o motivo do uso do serviço e a satisfação com dentes e boca foram associados. Identificou-se uma prevalência considerável de insatisfação com os serviços, sendo maior entre os idosos edentados. Entre os idosos dentados, foi observado associação com variáveis contextuais.

Abstract The scope of this study was to evaluate dissatisfaction with dental services among dentate and edentulous elderly Brazilians and its association with contextual and individual variables. The data from the National Oral Health Survey conducted in 2010 and contextual variables related to cities were used. Descriptive, bivariate and multilevel analysis was conducted among 1,989 elderly individuals. Of these, 11.2% of dentate and 22.1% of edentulous elderly people were dissatisfied. Among the dentate individuals, dissatisfaction was associated with contextual variables (location of municipality, human development index, GINI Index, the presence of Dental Specialty Centers and the coverage of oral health in public service) and persons related to health care and oral health conditions. For the edentulous individuals, no associated contextual variables were identified. Only the motive for the use of the service and satisfaction with teeth and mouth were associated with dissatisfaction with dental services. A considerable prevalence of dissatisfaction with the services was identified, being higher among edentulous elderly Brazilians. Among dentate elderly Brazilians, an association with contextual variables was detected.

Are UK graduates equipped with the skill set required to meet the demands of the UK's edentulous population?

As the UK witnesses a decline in the number of edentulous adults, there is a simultaneous reduction in the number of cases available to undergraduate dental students for the teaching of complete dentures. When edentulous adults are unable to function with conventional complete dentures, particularly pertaining to the mandibular denture, an implant-supported mandibular overdenture has been evidenced as the gold standard for edentulous patients. The evidence in favour of mandibular implant-supported overdentures is one of the most robust evidence bases for any clinical treatment and similarly it has been shown that undergraduate students are equally as capable in the provision of implant-supported overdentures as experienced prosthodontists. Yet there appears to be a disparity in the General Dental Council's undergraduate learning outcomes pertaining to care for edentulous adults. Furthermore, the UK seems to be falling behind in this respect in comparison to our European, American and Australian colleagues. This review looks at the evidence for the provision of implant-supported overdentures in the setting of the undergraduate dental curriculum, the potential barriers within this teaching forum and how well prepared UK undergraduates are for the clinical management of edentulous patients in the future.

Removable and Fixed Fully Edentulous Treatment Options for the Aging Patient.

As the number of seniors in the United States continues to rise, edentulism remains a serious ailment affecting many elderly patients. Though many seniors are taking fuller dentitions into their later years due to a greater emphasis on oral health maintenance than in the past, this growing population still often requires creative edentulous treatment solutions from skilled clinicians. Fortunately, with the evolution of implant dentistry various possibilities are available to treat edentulous aging patients with removable and/or fixed options. This article will review aging as it relates to the use of dentures and discuss prosthetic restorative alternatives for senior patients. It also will examine the impact of caries, neurosensory disorders, facial esthetics, and chronologic aging on dental treatments.

How fast can treatment with overdentures improve the masticatory function and OHRQoL of atrophic edentulous patients? A 1-year longitudinal clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate the masticatory function (MF) and subjective perception of patients with poor denture-bearing tissue in relation to change and the time required to identify an improvement in these parameters after rehabilitation with mandibular overdentures (MO) by two narrow-diameter two-piece implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three edentulous patients were selected for MO installation. The masticatory function (MF) was evaluated with the masticatory performance (MP) and swallowing threshold (ST) tests. In the MP test, each volunteer was instructed to masticate a portion of Optocal (standardized artificial test food) for 40 masticatory cycles. During the swallowing threshold test, the patients were instructed to chew a new portion of Optocal cubes until they felt the desire to swallow. The MF tests were performed while complete denture (CD) wearers (baseline) and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after MO loading. In addition, the subjective perception was assessed through the questionnaires Dental Impact on Daily Living (DIDL), Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), and Oral Health Impact Profile in Edentulous (OHIP- EDENT) at the baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after MO loading. RESULTS: A significant improvement in masticatory function (p < .05) was observed already in the first month of loading. Three months after MO loading, a significant improvement (p < .05) was found in the subjective perception of patients. The effect size indicates that the MO had the greatest impact on the domains related to function and comfort of all questionnaires and in relation to psychosocial domain of the GOHAI. The level of patient satisfaction increased significantly after the MO loading and reached >90% satisfied patients at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The MO improved both the MF of the patient and their oral health-related quality of life and satisfaction regarding the prosthesis in a short time period.

Digital Relief of the Mental Foramen for a CAD/CAM-Fabricated Mandibular Denture.

Relief of the intaglio surface of a denture base is conventionally performed using thin wax and soft metal foil attached to the master cast. The following report highlights a new relief procedure for the mental foramen using a CT double scan technique on the CAD/CAM dentures fabricated for the patient with paresthesia of the left lower lip and chin during mastication.

Association of Neutral Zone Position with Age, Gender, and Period of Edentulism.

PURPOSE: The changing dynamics of an aging mouth influence the position of the neutral zone (NZ). While the advantage of the NZ concept in complete denture treatment is quite established, what is not clearly understood is its position in relation to the crest of the residual ridge due to conflicting reports from previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distance and direction of NZ position in relation to crest of the residual ridge in edentulous patients and its association with age, gender, and period of edentulism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 133 patients (70 males, 63 females) with a mean age of 58.81 ± 11.78 years. NZ recording was done using admix material by following standard procedures. Two metallic wires were adapted, one on the ridge and another on the center of the occlusal rims, and standardized digital radiographs were made. The position of NZ in relation to the crest of the residual ridge was recorded by noting the direction and measuring the distance between the adapted wires digitally at five locations (right molar, right premolar, incisor, left molar, left premolar regions). RESULTS: Age, gender, and period of edentulism had no significant association with the position of NZ. No specific trend was observed in the in NZ position with a non-significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Distance and the direction of neutral zone position in relation to crest of the residual ridge in edentulous patients bear no significant relationship with factors such as age, gender, and period of edentulism.