The lives of many people who suffer from tooth loss are severely affected by denture problems. (Photo: Contrail/Shutterstock)

2014-6-17 | News United Kingdom

MANCHESTER, UK: About 3.7 million British citizens have no natural teeth and many of them wear dentures and consequently have difficulty chewing and speaking. Now, a trial at the University of Manchester has been initiated to investigate the effect of implants and dentures on the quality of patients’ life. The study is the first of its kind in the UK.

The study will involve 44 participants, half of whom will receive conventional implants to retain dentures and the other half will be provided with mini-implants, which can be placed less invasively. To date, 16 patients have been recruited. 

The researchers will be following the participants over six months to collect information on their experiences, including level of pain and ability to chew. The overall aim of the study is to undertake a cost–benefit analysis of the procedures and to assess their impact on the patients’ quality of life.

According to the researchers, the study holds important implications for the growing ageing population. “We hope that the study will improve quality of life for patients with dentures by enabling clinicians to provide the most appropriate treatment”, said Dr Craig Barclay, consultant at the University Dental Hospital of Manchester and honorary senior lecturer in Restorative Dentistry at the university 

Complete loss of natural teeth is a severe global public health problem. According to the World Health Survey initiated by the World Health Organization, complete tooth loss affects approximately 30 per cent of people aged 65–74 worldwide.