Assessment of Various Nutritional Parameters in Geriatric Patients Who underwent Different Prosthodontic Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Some relation exists between oral and general health with progressive aging. Certain risk factors are common between oral and systemic diseases. Absence of teeth also affects the oral health by altering the quality of life. Hence, the nutritional changes occurring in elderly patients following prosthodontic rehabilitation are evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 patients who underwent prosthodontic treatment for missing teeth were included for the study. Twice measurement of nutritional parameters was done: Initially at the time of diagnosis and then 5 months following commencement of the prosthodontic treatment. Dental analysis, evaluation of the diet, anthropometric assessment, and analysis of serum biochemical values were done in all the patients and tabulated records were maintained. Independent Student's t test and Tukey's test were done to assess the level of significance.

RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were included for the study. The complete denture (CD) group showed the highest alteration in the mean values of the nutritional parameters followed by the removable partial denture group. A significant change was seen in the body mass index, protein, carbohydrate, and iron levels among the different patients who were grouped based on the mode of treatment modality. The CD group showed significantly higher mean change in carbohydrates value compared with mean change in patients receiving fixed treatment.

CONCLUSION: Both nutrition and diet form an integral part of the prosthodontic treatment to maintain the health of elderly population.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: With the advancement in the level of edentulism, rehabilitation by prosthetic treatment has become progressively important to restore and improve dietary parameters.