THE EFFECT OF IMPLANT THERAPY ON MAXIMUM BITE FORCE IN EDENTULOUS ELDERLY PATIENTS: AN IN VIVO STUDY

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to compare the bite force differences between conventional complete denture prostheses and implant retained overdentures. Materials and Method: The study group consisted of 15 complete denture patients. Three months after insertion of conventional dentures, the first bite force measurements were made with a Dental Prescale sheet (Fuji Film, Tokyo). After 5 and 7 weeks, two implants were placed in the mandibular symphysis region. Three months after implant surgery, implant retained overdentures were fabricated. Three months after the insertion of implant retained overdentures, a second set of bite force measurements was made and the values were recorded. Bite forces were compared between conventional complete dentures and implant retained overdentures and the chewing satisfaction obtained from patients in both groups was measured using visual analogue scale. All results were evaluated statistically using a paired t-test and values of p<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: Bite forces and chewing satisfaction increased in all patients after the implant retained overdenture insertion. The mean bite force values before and after implant therapy were found 194.03 +/- 95.08 Newton and 302.91 +/- 119.84 Newton respectively. According to the paired t-test, a statistically significant difference were found in bite forces and chewing satisfaction before and after implant therapy (p<0.05). Conclusions: The present study showed increased bite forces and chewing satisfaction after insertion of implant retained overdentures.