Changes in mastication after an immediate loading implantation with complete fixed rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Rehabilitation

Background:

• Masticatory function is crucial for oral health and quality of life.
• Immediate loading full-arch prosthesis (ILFAP) offers a faster restorative solution.
• Objective assessment of masticatory modifications post-ILFAP is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify changes in masticatory performance after ILFAP rehabilitation.
• To evaluate the impact of ILFAP on bolus particle size reduction and food texture discrimination.
• To assess the effect of ILFAP on oral health-related quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 14 patients before and 6 months after ILFAP.
• Assessed mastication of natural (peanut, carrot) and model foods of varying hardness.
• Measured bolus granulometry (median particle size - D50), chewing time (CT), chewing cycles (CC), and chewing frequency (CF).
• Utilized the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) for quality of life assessment.

Main Results:

• ILFAP significantly reduced median particle size (D50) for peanuts and carrots (p < 0.001).
• Chewing time (CT) and chewing cycles (CC) decreased, while chewing frequency (CF) increased for all food types (p < 0.001).
• GOHAI scores improved significantly from 43 ± 9 to 56 ± 3 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• ILFAP rehabilitation enhances bolus breakdown and food texture discrimination within six months.
• ILFAP leads to significant improvements in masticatory function and patient-reported oral health.
• The findings support the clinical advancement of immediate loading protocols for full-arch prostheses.