Domiciliary denture treatment for edentulous older adults: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Tooth loss increases with age, placing a greater burden on older adults. While the demand for domiciliary dental services is growing, its implementation and efficacy remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the procedures and evaluate the effectiveness of domiciliary denture treatment for edentulous older adults, providing valuable insights for future practice.

METHODS

Nineteen edentulous patients who received domiciliary denture treatment between February 2021 and April 2022 were included. Patient satisfaction with new dentures was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and nutritional status were evaluated before and after denture delivery using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), respectively. Masticatory performance was measured via a two-colored chewing gum test. Facial contour changes were recorded using three-dimensional facial scanning technology.

RESULTS

At the 3-month post-denture delivery assessment, OHRQoL showed a significant improvement (p = 0.002) and remained stable throughout the 12-month follow-up period, aligning with high patient satisfaction. Nutritional status also improved marginally following rehabilitation, though the change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Masticatory performance saw a significant enhancement (p = 0.039). In terms of facial contour, significant post-rehabilitation increases were observed in the lower third facial height (Sn-Gn; Sn-Pg), upper lip height (Sn-Ls), mouth width (ChR-ChL), and lower facial convexity (Sn-St-Pg) (p < 0.05). Conversely, facial convexity excluding the nasal component (N-Sn-Pg) decreased significantly (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

Domiciliary denture services provide a clinically effective and convenient healthcare model for homebound edentulous older adults. Despite its limitations, this study’s preliminary findings indicate that this approach improves masticatory performance and facial harmony, thereby enhancing nutritional status and yielding significant gains in quality of life, meriting inclusion in public health programs for ageing populations.