ISSN : 2663-2187

The Role of Nutritional Status in Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of Edentulous Patients in Rural Communities

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Dr Nasir Ali, Dr Palwasha Rauf, Dr Maimoona Gul, Dr Ayesha Farid, Dr Jawad Rafique, Dr Uzma Khalil
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.6.16.2024.3541-3547

Abstract

Background: Edentulism is a prevalent condition in older adults, particularly in rural communities, where access to dental care is often limited. It affects oral function, aesthetics, nutritional intake, and overall health. Prosthodontic rehabilitation with complete dentures is a widely used intervention to address these challenges. This study evaluates the impact of nutritional status on the outcomes of two prosthodontic approaches: conventional complete dentures and complete overdentures. Objective: To assess the role of nutritional status in prosthodontic rehabilitation outcomes in edentulous patients, focusing on functionality, patient satisfaction, and social comfort in rural populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Rehman Dental College from January 2023 to January 2024. Ninety edentulous patients aged 50 years and older were included. Data were collected through interviews, clinical examinations, and prosthodontic assessments. Outcomes such as masticatory efficiency, residual ridge resorption, patient satisfaction, and social comfort were compared between conventional complete dentures and complete overdentures. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and t-tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Overdenture users demonstrated significantly better outcomes than conventional denture users in overall satisfaction (88.9% vs. 75.6%, p = 0.022), ability to eat hard foods (85.5% vs. 60.4%, p = 0.014), and social comfort (90.2% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.048). Residual ridge resorption was higher among conventional denture users, while masticatory efficiency scores were significantly better in overdenture users (p = 0.029). Although oral hygiene practices were slightly better in overdenture users, the difference was insignificant (p = 0.084). Conclusion: Nutritional status plays a critical role in the success of prosthodontic rehabilitation. Complete overdentures provide superior outcomes in functionality, patient satisfaction, and social comfort compared to conventional dentures. However, accessibility and cost remain barriers in rural settings, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve oral healthcare in underserved populations.

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