Quality of Life of Complete Denture Wearers-A Comparative Study between Conventional Dentures and Acrylic Dentures with Vitamin B12 Incorporated

Qualitative assessment of the removable denture microbiome

Introduction

Assessment of the denture plaque can provide a valuable report regarding the oral health of geriatric patients and the oral hygiene habits in this population group. Focusing on the current research gap on this topic in Romania, our research aims to highlight the microbial plaque on the different surfaces and types of removable poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prostheses to qualitatively evaluate the microbial species, and to assess the combined effect of mechanical and chemical cleaning of dentures on the prosthetic microbiome.

Methods

The prosthetic plaque from four denture wearers was identified with a UV activated fluorescent revealer and digitally photographed. Swab samples according to a certain hygiene protocol were cultured on three different growth media such as blood agar (BA), bromothymol blue lactose agar (AABTL) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA).

Results

Denture plaque was variably distributed on the surface of the prostheses. Regardless of the denture type (conventional complete denture, tooth or implant supported overdenture, removable partial denture) the microbial plaque was identified at the retentive areas, especially at interdental spaces. The main plaque deposition areas were the vestibular incline of the labial flange of the maxillary denture and the lingual incline of the posterior lingual flange of the mandibular denture. The prosthetic microbiome consisted of pathogenic Gram-positive aerobes (Streptococcus spp. and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.), Gram-positive anaerobes (Actinomyces spp. and Klebsiella spp.) as well as subspecies of fungi of the genus Candida.

Conclusions

Despite its poor variety, the denture microbiome in the investigated cases hosts colonies with high pathogenic potential. Some areas of the prostheses are more likely to accumulate dental plaque. Dentists should insist through more regular checks of the patients and their caregivers on ensuring the biocontrol of the dentures, especially in frail geriatric patients exposed to greater risks related to general health.

Evaluation and comparison of patient satisfaction with VertexThermosens and conventional acrylic complete dentures

OBJECTIVES

Patient perception and satisfaction with dentures are important indicators in prosthodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare patients' satisfaction with VertexThermosens dentures versus conventional acrylic dentures during a 12-month study period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This randomized study involved 60 participants aged between 45 and 80 with representation of both sexes. The patients were divided into two groups: The first group (experimental group), which had complete dentures from VertexThermosens base material included 30 participants. The second group (control group), which had complete dentures from convectional rigid acrylic base material, included 30 participants. Patient satisfaction with the dentures was assessed in each of the two Vertex/Acrylic groups through a specially created questionnaire of five questions with a five-point Likert scale of possible answers (0 = never; 1 = rarely; 2 = occasionally; 3 = often; and 4 = very often).

RESULTS

After 12 months, intergroup comparison with Mann-Whitney U Test related to Q2 (p = 0.193), Q3 (p = 0.960), Q4 (p = 0.317), Q5 (p = 1.000) patient satisfactions indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups (Vertex/Acrylic), except  Q1 (p = 0.010) question, Vertex group was more satisfied. The results regarding the patients of both groups (Vertex/Acrylic) showed that after 12 months of wearing the denture, the satisfaction level regarding to all questions increased, except Q5-question for Vertex group, where the difference was not significant due to the already achieved maximum satisfaction at zero time.

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings of this clinical study, it can be concluded that higher satisfaction is seen in patients rehabilitated with VertexThermosens dentures than with conventional rigid acrylic dentures.

An Update on the Interdisciplinary Dental Care Approach for Geriatric Diabetic Patients

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent health issue escalating worldwide that gives rise to numerous problems. Periodontal disorders are recognized as the sixth consequence associated with diabetes mellitus. Research shows that dental health affects overall health, and this knowledge is changing the dental field. The correct choice of glucose goal levels and the optimal selection of glucose-lowering medications are determined by a comprehensive geriatric assessment, an estimate of life expectancy, and a rationale for therapy at regular intervals in elderly diabetics. This article provides an overview of the correlation between diabetes and oral health, with a specific emphasis on xerostomia, periodontal disease, and dental caries. Thus, dentists play a significant role within the allied health profession by contributing to the provision of oral care for those diagnosed with diabetes, with a special focus on geriatric patients.