Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report on the management and treatment outcomes of partially edentulous elderly patients with severe tooth wear.
Methods: Partially edentulous patients with severe tooth wear who underwent the same protocols for full prosthodontic rehabilitation were eligible for this observational study. Their clinical diagnoses were based on a complete oral examination, photos, functional and cast analysis, general health conditions and behavioural aspects, such as acidic diets and bruxism. A 6-month preliminary phase with splints and provisional prostheses was maintained prior to the final fabrication of fixed and removable prostheses. All patients completed a follow-up period of ≥3years. The outcomes were technical and biological complications with the prosthesis (wear or fracture of anchorage, abutment, prosthesis core or veneering, and implants, plaque index, caries, endodontic and periodontal lesions, tooth fractures and periimplantitis) and oral health-related quality of life (using the oral health impact profile questionnaire, German version of OHIP G-14).
Results: Data from 42 patients (33 men, 9 women) with a mean age of 62±8years were available. The probability that a first, second or third technical complication occurred was 49%, 38% and 21%, respectively. About 50% of the patients remained without any complication. The average OHIP-value was 5±7, which represents high oral health-related quality of life. No statistically significant correlations between the OHIP values and the type of prostheses or the occurrence of complications were observed.
Conclusions: From multiple perspectives, the rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients with severe tooth wear is a complex task, and more information regarding treatment protocols, prosthetic indications and treatment outcome is needed.
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