Dental implants in patients with xerostomia

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the dental, periodontal and implantological state of patients with xerostomia. Methods: This transversal study reviewed a total of 20 patients with xerostomia, plus 29 patients in the control group. The two groups (study and control) had a total of 198 implants. Patients' oral and periodontal health was evaluated, including bleeding index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, probing depth, pain on percussion, gingival suppuration, and oral quality of life (OHIP-14). Results: Mean patient age was 59.8 ± 12.04, and evolution time was 3.6 ± 3.05 years. Plaque index was higher in patients with xerostomia than in the control group (p=0.012). No significant differences were found in periodontal disease between the groups (p > 0.05). Fifteen percent of patients in the xerostomia group presented mucositis and probe depths shorter than 3 mm. Overall quality of life (OHIP-14) was high in both groups. Conclusions: Dental implants are a favorable treatment option for patients with xerostomia.