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Shortened dental arch concept shown to be cost effective
1Division of Restorative Dentistry Dundee, Scotland, UK.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
|April 25, 2015
Summary
The shortened dental arch (SDA) is more cost-effective than removable dental prostheses (RPD) for older adults needing tooth replacement. Both treatments improved oral health quality of life, but SDA offered better value.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Health Economics
- Geriatric Dentistry
Background:
- Partially dentate older adults often require tooth replacement.
- Removable dental prostheses (RPD) and shortened dental arch (SDA) are common treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cost-effectiveness of RPD versus SDA for treating partially dentate older adults.
- To evaluate the impact of these treatments on oral health-related quality of life (OHrQOL).
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 132 patients.
- Patients were allocated to either RPD or SDA treatment groups.
- OHrQOL changes and treatment costs were recorded over 12 months.
Main Results:
- Both RPD and SDA groups showed significant OHrQOL improvements.
- SDA treatment was more cost-effective, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of 1:1.84 compared to RPD.
- Success rates were comparable, with RPD at 95.9% and SDA at 95.5%.
Conclusions:
- Functionally oriented treatment, such as SDA, is more cost-effective for partially dentate older adults.
- Economic considerations favor SDA for this patient population.
- SDA provides a cost-effective solution for improving oral health in aging populations.
