A randomized clinical trial comparing retention of complete dentures and oral health quality of life of patients with conventional and bioelectric impressions

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the retention of complete dentures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with conventional and bioelectric impressions or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS).

Materials and methods

A total of thirty (n = 30) completely edentulous patients were randomly distributed into two groups: Group-C (n = 15) (Conventional) and Group-T (n = 15) (bioelectric). In Group C, border molding was performed using the manual manipulation of borders, and the final impression was made using zinc-oxide eugenol. In Group T, border molding and final impression were performed with the TENS application. Dentures were fabricated, and retention was evaluated with a digital gauge. OHRQoL was assessed at insertion and after three months of follow-up using the Oral Health Impact Profile Edentulous in Hindi (OHIP-Edent-H) questionnaire. A two-way ANOVA test was used for the significance level (P < 0.05). Student t-test was used for intergroup comparison, and paired t-test was used for intragroup comparison of OHRQoL.

Results

There was no significant difference in the retention of maxillary and mandibular dentures fabricated with both techniques (P = 0.283, P = 0.682). Although, OHRQoL increased significantly in both groups at follow-up (P = 0.001). However, at follow-up, the Functional Limitation (FL) domain was significantly better in the conventional group.

Conclusions

Although, there was no significant difference in retention and OHRQoL between both groups. However, more clinical trials with large samples and longer follow-ups are required to reach a conclusive result.