Effect of Oral and Prosthodontic Rehabilitation on Nutrition and General Health Outcomes in Edentulous Elderly Populations: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Edentulism impairs mastication and dietary choices in older adults, often leading to malnutrition and associated health risks. Despite being a routine practice, the impact of prosthodontic rehabilitation on systemic and nutritional health outcomes is yet unknown.<h4>Objective</h4>To systematically review the effects of prosthodontic rehabilitation on nutritional and general health outcomes in elderly edentulous individuals and compare outcomes across prosthetic modalities.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic review was conducted per PRISMA 2020 and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251147518) across PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and clinical and observational studies assessing prosthodontic rehabilitation in adults ≥ 60 years of age that reported nutritional and general health outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed via the risk of bias 2 (RoB 2) for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies. Narrative synthesis was undertaken as the included studies differed substantially in their designs, interventions, and outcome measures.<h4>Results</h4>Fifteen studies (six RCTs and nine observational) were included. Masticatory function and quality of life related to oral health were consistently enhanced by prosthodontic rehabilitation. When denture provision was coupled with dietary advice, nutritional status improved. Bite power, mastication, and meal variety were all enhanced by implant-supported and single-implant overdentures; however, biochemical marker alterations were not consistent. Data pertaining to systemic outcomes are scarce (frailty, morbidity, and mortality).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Prosthodontic rehabilitation in elderly individuals improves chewing and quality of life, with modest but consistent benefits for nutritional outcomes. Stronger effects occur when combined with dietary counseling. Evidence for systemic outcomes remains limited. Future multicenter RCTs with longer follow-up periods and standardized nutritional endpoints are warranted.