Electromyography evaluation of masseter and temporalis, bite force, and quality of life in elderly patients during the adaptation of mandibular implant-supported overdentures.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of the installation of two implant-supported overdentures until such treatment is complete. Although this treatment is well established in the literature, there are no studies comparing what happens to muscles and the quality of life (QoL) of patients during the treatment.

METHODS: We selected 13 completely edentulous patients, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, to rehabilitate with mandibular overdentures retained by two dental implants and a complete denture as antagonists. We evaluated the efficacy of the treatment and its evolution in five steps: (i) initially, with the old complete dentures, (ii) after the implants' placement with the mandibular prosthesis relined, (iii) after the placement of the healing abutments, (iv) after the installation and adaptation of new prostheses, and (v) after a 3-month follow-up period. At each stage, we evaluated patients via temporal and masseter electromyography (EMG), molar and incisive bite force, and QoL.

RESULTS: The results for EMG found a decrease in muscle activity during rest, the mastication of raisins, and lateral movements when the overdentures were installed. For the bite force and QoL, there was a gradual improvement from the placement of the healing abutments period (P ˂ 0.05), which was sustained until the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Comfort and stability improved during the treatment, demonstrated by the QoL and bite force results. These results are positive for elderly patients who might refuse an implant-supported overdenture due to treatment length.