Implant overdentures and nutrition: A randomized controlled trial

We conducted a randomized clinical trial to determine whether providing simple mandibular implant overdentures (iods) to elderly individuals would give them a significantly better nutritional profile than those who receive complete dentures (cds). two hundred fifty-five edentate patients > 65 yrs were randomly assigned to receive maxillary cds and mandibular iods (n = 128) or cds (n = 127). six-month and one-year post-treatment outcomes were blood plasma levels of homocysteine (thcy),vitamin b12,vitamin b6,albumin,serum folate,and c-reactive protein concentrations,as well as dietary intake. the association between treatment and thcy levels was not statistically significant. a decline of folate from baseline values in both study groups,as well as those of vitamins b6 and b12 and albumin,was observed. significant between-group differences were detected in food preparation and in the individuals' ability to chew a variety of foods. this study suggests that implant overdentures do not have a more positive effect on the nutritional state of elderly edentate individuals at 6 and 12 mos post-treatment than new complete dentures. however,those wearing iods are significantly more likely to take in their nutrients through fresh,whole fruits and vegetables. (international clinical trial registration#: isrctn24273915) © 2012 international & american associations for dental research.