Oral function in completely edentulous patients rehabilitated with implant‐supported dental prostheses: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesThis review evaluated the effects of rehabilitation with implant‐supported prostheses on the oral function of completely edentulous adults.Materials and MethodsSystematic literature searches were performed to identify records reporting on oral function in completely edentulous adults rehabilitated with implant‐supported prostheses. Meta‐analyses were performed on various outcomes including bite force, masticatory performance, muscle activity, mandibular movement/chewing pattern, and salivary flow.Results5507 records were identified. Thirty studies qualified for data extraction and analysis. The kappa (𝛋) for the search and identification strategy ranged between 0.50 and 1.00. Meta‐analysis was performed grouping the studies by outcomes and split by time points of 6–12 months, 12–36 months, and >36 months after implant therapy. The meta‐analyses revealed a significant improvement in oral function of completely edentulous adults after rehabilitation with implant‐supported prostheses at 6–12 months (Z = −4.895, p < .001; 95% CI: −0.703, −0.301; τ2 = .609; Q = 114.953, df = 17, p < .001; I2 = 85.2%), at 12–36 months (Z = −4.886, p < .001; 95% CI: −0.580, −0.248; τ2 = .908; Q = 280.611, df = 35, p < .001; I2 = 87.5%) and at more than 36 months (Z = −9.108, p < .001; 95% CI: −1.472, −0.951; τ2 = .019; Q = 7.918, df = 7, p = .340; I2 = 11.6%). The included studies demonstrated a low to moderate risk of bias.ConclusionsThis systematic review concluded that the oral function of completely edentate adults significantly improved with implant‐supported/retained prostheses, even when only one jaw received implant therapy. Therefore, implant therapy should be promoted for edentulous adults to alleviate the shortcomings of conventional complete removable dental prostheses.