Implant overdentures and nutrition: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dental Prosthetics
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Elderly edentate individuals often face nutritional challenges.
• Complete dentures (CDs) may not fully restore oral function.
• Implant overdentures (IODs) are an alternative prosthetic solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the nutritional profiles of elderly patients receiving mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) versus complete dentures (CDs).
• To assess the impact of IODs versus CDs on biochemical markers and dietary intake in older adults.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 255 edentate patients aged over 65.
• Participants were assigned to receive either maxillary CDs with mandibular IODs or maxillary and mandibular CDs.
• Outcomes measured at 6 and 12 months included plasma nutrient levels (homocysteine, B12, B6, folate, albumin, CRP) and dietary intake.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in homocysteine levels between the IOD and CD groups.
• Both groups showed a decline in folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and albumin levels.
• IOD recipients reported significantly better food preparation and chewing ability for diverse foods.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) do not offer a superior nutritional benefit over complete dentures (CDs) at 6 and 12 months post-treatment in elderly edentate individuals.
• IODs are associated with improved chewing function and a greater likelihood of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables.