Masticatory Ability and Subjective Satisfaction in Elderly Recall Maintenance Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the masticatory ability and subjective satisfaction with the oral function of elderly recall maintenance patients treated with implants and prosthodontics based on Eichner's classification and type of prosthetic treatment. One hundred and thirty-six patients (55 males and 81 females) aged 65 years or older who visited the dental clinic for recall maintenance between January and April 2019 were included in the study. Their masticatory ability was measured using the Gluco Sensor GS-Ⅱ^® device and their subjective satisfaction with oral function in daily life was evaluated. We found that masticatory ability was greater in the implant treatment group than in the denture treatment group, and was similar to that of the group with natural teeth and the group with crowns and bridges. Subjective satisfaction ratings were also greater than for those with other prosthetic treatments, suggesting that implant treatment may improve oral awareness in the elderly.