Do implant overdentures improve chewing ability and quality of life despite no effect on nutritional status?

Abstract

Data sources: This prospective study involved 35 edentulous adults aged 50 years and older, treated at a dental clinic. Data were collected across four time points: baseline (T0), 3 months post-application of conventional complete dentures (CD; T1), and 3 and 6 months after the transition to implant-supported overdentures (IOD; T2 and T3). Patient outcomes were assessed using: Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA): To evaluate nutritional status, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14): To measure oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and Chewing Ability Questionnaire: To document functional improvements.

Results: Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores declined initially after transitioning to CDs (T0-T1) but stabilized following implant overdenture placement. Significant improvements were reported, with chewing difficulty decreasing from 91.4% at baseline to 51.4% at T3. Marked enhancements in OHIP-14 scores at T2 and T3, indicating better oral health perception.

Conclusion: While implant overdentures significantly improved chewing ability and quality of life, they did not lead to measurable improvements in nutritional status. The findings highlight the functional and psychosocial benefits of implant overdentures for older adults, suggesting that oral rehabilitation enhances overall well-being even without direct nutritional effects. This study provides a moderate level of evidence based on its prospective design, validated outcome measures, and clear findings related to chewing ability and oral health-related quality of life. However, the small sample size, lack of long-term follow-up, and absence of significant improvements in nutritional status suggest the need for further research to validate and strengthen these findings. Future studies with larger populations and extended observation perimplant overdentures are essential to enhance the robustness and generalizability of the evidence.