Successfully managing dental prostheses may indicate functional ability

Researchers may have uncovered a screening tool to measure functional decline in older patients with complete removable dental prostheses.

In a study published in Gerodontology, the researchers recruited 86 older patients with edentulism who received rehabilitation with complete removable dental prostheses. Prior to intraoral examinations, the patients were instructed to remove their prostheses and reinsert them in the appropriate jaws at the correct orientations. This prosthesis presentation test was repeated following the intraoral examinations.

The researchers found that 21 of the patients were unable to correctly insert their prostheses, demonstrating that the prosthesis presentation test correlated with functional independence measures such as memory, problem solving and social interaction.

Further research is needed to determine whether the prosthesis presentation test can help clinicians detect deficits in executive function and assess older patients’ ability to independently manage their complete removable dental prostheses.

Read more: Gerodontology

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.