STUDY OF ORAL HEALTH AND SUPPORTIVE STRUCTURES FOR PROSTHETIC RESTORATIONS IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE THERAPY...

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) is crucial for opioid addiction treatment.
• MMT is associated with adverse oral health outcomes, including caries, periodontal disease, and bone resorption.
• These oral health issues negatively impact patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the oral health status of individuals initiating MMT versus long-term MMT beneficiaries.
• To investigate the relationship between methadone use, illicit drug use, and oral health.
• To assess the condition of supportive structures for prosthodontic restorations and explore intervention benefits.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 276 patients (138 new MMT initiators, 138 long-term MMT beneficiaries) in Tbilisi, Georgia.
• Utilized questionnaires for self-reported dental health and oral hygiene habits, alongside clinical assessments (Kennedy Classification, PDI, Eichner Index, DMFT, OHI-S, etc.).
• Data analyzed using SPSS v.23, with statistical significance at p<0.05.

Main Results:

• New MMT initiators exhibited higher caries experience (DMFT >13.9) and poorer oral hygiene compared to MMT beneficiaries.
• Increased tooth mobility, remaining roots, and dry mouth complaints were noted in the new MMT group.
• Both groups displayed a high need for prosthetic rehabilitation, with compromised edentulous areas and unsuitable abutment teeth/periodontal tissues.

Conclusions:

• Both new MMT initiators and long-term beneficiaries demonstrate a substantial need for prosthetic rehabilitation.
• The condition of supporting teeth and periodontal tissues is often inadequate, necessitating adjunctive therapies.
• While MMT beneficiaries showed slightly better oral health, significant bone resorption and a lower number of abutment teeth were observed.