Avaliação multidimensional, da qualidade de vida, risco de sarcopenia e da função mastigatória em idosos usuários de overdenture mandibular e prótese total convencional

Abstract

The global increase in the elderly population has led to a rise in untreated oral conditions, such as edentulism, which remains highly prevalent in Brazil. The lack of adequate oral rehabilitation for this condition can result in impairments in masticatory function and, consequently, in quality of life and systemic health. This includes the worsening of sarcopenia, a condition characterized by reduced muscle mass and strength, accompanied by functional decline. Although implant-retained mandibular overdentures are considered the gold standard for the rehabilitation of edentulous individuals, many elderly patients are still rehabilitated with conventional complete dentures, which provide inferior retention and support.Given this context, this observational cross-sectional study aimed to assess the overall health status of elderly patients rehabilitated with Mandibular Overdentures (MO) or Mandibular Complete Dentures (MCD) and its relationship to oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), masticatory function parameters, bite force, and predictors of sarcopenia risk. A total of 52 patients aged 70 or older, rehabilitated at the School of Dentistry of UFPel and undergoing follow-up treatments (MO = 26; CCD = 26), were included. Each participant underwent assessments of their overall health status (10-minute Targeted Geriatric Assessment), oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-EDENT, GOHAI, DIDL), sarcopenia risk predictors (calf circumference, handgrip strength, Timed Up and Go test, and muscle mass index), and masticatory function (masticatory performance, swallowing threshold, and bite force).As a result, this dissertation presents, through two articles, insights into the impact of different variables on masticatory function decline in the study population, including overall health status, type of oral rehabilitation, and indicators of sarcopenia. Additionally, it explores whether there is an association between patients' perceived masticatory capacity and their objectively measured masticatory function. In conclusion, although variables such as the type of rehabilitation treatment and gender influence the masticatory performance of elderly individuals aged 70 or older in this sample, mastication is a highly complex process that involves a range of subjective and adaptive factors, beyond muscle strength and general health status. Among the questionnaires used to assess masticatory function subjectively, OHIP-EDENT was the most reliable in terms of objective results, especially in OM users. The results reinforce the positive impact of MO prostheses on the quality of life of the edentulous population.