Commentary

In dentistry, in addition to simply an ageing population, clinicians have observed significant changes in the oral health of older adults. Whilst this has resulted in a significant decrease in the numbers of edentulous older adults, their clinical management is becoming increasingly complex.1 Oral rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses has become a well-documented therapy for edentate adults, particularly in the lower arch. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of such treatment for edentulous patients including improvements in Oral Health-related Quality of Life and masticatory function.2

Based on a sample size calculation, 255 independently living edentate adults aged 65 years and older were recruited in Montreal, Canada. The participants were randomly assigned to two treatment groups using block randomisation, where patients received either a complete conventional lower denture or a two-implant retained lower overdenture. In both groups patients were provided with a conventional maxillary complete denture. The outcome measure reported was the impact of prosthodontic rehabilitation on dietary intake. Patients self-reported food intake using a 24 dietary recall method at baseline and again 12 months after treatment intervention. Dietary intake values were used to calculate intake of dietary fibre, macronutrients (proteins, fat and carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D, thiamine, riboflavin, folate and niacin) and energy. Statistical analysis revealed no significant between-group differences in terms of intake of dietary fibre (p=0.36), energy (p=0.58), macronutrients (p=0.41) or micronutrients (p=0.13) at either baseline or 12 months after prosthodontic intervention.

Numerous studies have shown that as natural teeth are lost, chewing function can be negatively affected. This in turn is associated with negative effects on dietary choice and nutritional status.3 The results of this study mirror others which suggest that prosthodontic rehabilitation alone is insufficient to improve dietary intake amongst older patients.4 Whilst the limitations of a self-reported measure of dietary intake are discussed by the authors, the progressive change in dietary habits resulting from a declining masticatory performance over a period of years in this patient group must not be underestimated. As acknowledged in this article, such a change was unlikely to be reversed by simply replacing missing teeth, and in the absence of targeted dietary advice was insufficient to attain a significant improvement in dietary intake for this study population.

Practice point

  • Implant-retained overdentures have been shown to have very positive impacts on patients' Oral Health-related Quality of Life and masticatory function

  • In this study, provision of implant-retained overdentures did not result in a significant improvement in dietary intake compared to conventional removable dentures.