Evaluation of Masticatory Performance and Patient Satisfaction Before and After Posterior Implant Restoration

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the improvement in masticatory performances two weeks after posterior implant restoration. Material and Methods: Nine patients with missing first and second molars were included in the study. Masticatory performances were evaluated using subjective and objective methods utilizing color-changeable chewing gum and the visual analog scale (VAS) assessment. The subjects were asked to chew the color-changeable chewing gums before and two weeks after the posterior implant restoration. Their expectations regarding aesthetics and function were verified on the VAS before implant placement. Additionally, the VAS was used for the posttreatment completion rating two weeks after the implant restoration. Results: Significant differences in masticatory performance were noted at baseline (before implant posterior restoration) and two weeks after implant restoration (p<0.05). The posttreatment aesthetic and functional expectations ratings significantly exceeded the expectations (p<0.05). Conclusion: Masticatory performances were improved two weeks after implant restoration. In addition, the significant posttreatment ratings of the patients exceeded their initial expectations. In particular, patients with poor masticatory functions demonstrated significant improvements and satisfaction following implant restoration compared to those with good mastication. These findings indicate that a posterior implant restoration can increase the masticatory performance.

Relationships Between Tooth Loss and Masticatory Performance, Nutrition Intake, and Nutritional Status in the Elderly

Abstract Objective: To analyze the associations between posterior tooth loss and masticatory performance, nutrition intake, and nutritional status in the elderly. Material and Methods: A total of 158 subjects aged 60 years and older from Depok, West Java, Indonesia were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Posterior teeth contacts were assessed and the subjects were divided into two groups based on Eichner Index; group A2-B3 and group B4-C3. The masticatory performance test was conducted using color-changeable chewing gum. A semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire was used to measure nutritional intake in the form of total calories, and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form was used to measure nutritional status. Mann Whitney U test was used to determine differences in masticatory performance, nutrition intake, and nutritional status between the two groups Results: Seventy-four percent of participants were female, and 26% were male. A significant difference in the mean masticatory performance score (p<0.001) was noted between Eichner group A2-B3 (5.66 ± 1.80) and B4-C3 (3.20 ± 1.25). However, no statistically significant difference in nutritional status and calorie intake were found between the two groups (p>0.05) Conclusion: Despite the adequacy of nutrition intake and nutrition status in this population, tooth replacement is necessary to improve masticatory performance in both groups.