Evaluating the Correlation Between Prosthodontic Interventions and Chest Infections: A Comprehensive Research...

Area of Science:

• Dental Medicine
• Respiratory Health
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Growing interest in the systemic health outcomes of prosthodontic therapies, particularly respiratory infections.
• Respiratory infections are a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Prosthodontic procedures may alter oral flora, potentially impacting respiratory health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between prosthodontic procedures and the incidence of chest infections.
• To analyze risk factors associated with chest infections following dental prosthodontic interventions.

Main Methods:

• Observational prospective cohort study (January 2023 - December 2023) at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
• 130 adult participants undergoing various prosthodontic procedures (e.g., complete edentulous solutions, tooth restoration).
• Data collection included electronic health records, physical evaluations (cardiovascular, immunological, pulmonary), and patient questionnaires; analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 22% (29/130) of participants developed chest infections post-procedure.
• Higher infection rates observed in older age groups (32.26% in 60+) and with complete edentulous solutions (29.23%) compared to tooth restoration (42.31%).
• Post-procedure respiratory metrics improved: respiratory rate decreased to 17.8/min, oxygen saturation increased to 98.1%, and coughing frequency fell to 1.9/day.

Conclusions:

• Prosthodontic procedures are significantly associated with an increased risk of chest infections.
• Complete edentulous solutions pose a higher risk compared to tooth restoration.
• Highlights the critical need for vigilant post-operative respiratory surveillance following prosthodontic interventions.