Effect of Implant Treatment and/or Dietary Advice on the Nutrition of Edentulous Ageing Subjects

Loss of masticatory function consequent to tooth loss is associated with changes in food choices and insufficient nutrition intake. To date, studies showed no significant improvement in nutrient intake with interventions based solely on dental prostheses. Pilot studies have shown positive impacts of interventions combining implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis with brief dietary interventions. The relative contribution and the potential synergy of the components of such interventions need to be determined as it has major public health implications for the community-dwelling ageing population that continues to disproportionately suffer from tooth loss and its consequences. This study tests the effect of rehabilitation of masticatory function with fixed implant supported dentures and diet re-education on the dietary intake and nutrition in older subjects with terminal dentition (stage IV periodontitis) or full edentulism. A 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial of eligible adult (≥60 years) with loss of masticatory function consequent to full arch edentulism or terminal dentition (n = 120) will be conducted to test whether the rehabilitation of masticatory function with fixed implant supported dentures, diet re-education and/or their combination improves the diet and nutrition of ageing subjects. The study has been designed to detect changes in fruit and vegetable intake at 4 months using the 24-hour dietary recall method. Changes in protein as percentage of total energy, nutritional biomarkers, metabolomics, oral and gut microbiome, quality of life and masticatory function will also be assessed.