Abordagem multidisciplinar na reabilitação oral de paciente idoso: relato de caso

Abstract

The care of the elderly requires attention to their physical, mental and social health, for an effective promotion of their health. The present study reports the treatment of an edentulous patient involving dentistry, medicine and psychology. A 63-year-old male patient attended the overdenture extension project for total edentulous in geriatrics complaining of unsatisfactory aesthetics, instability of his dentures, especially the mandibular, and difficulty in eating. In the anamnesis and in the satisfaction, skill (VAS scale) and quality of life (OHIP EDENT) questionnaires, the patient reported high rates of dissatisfaction with current appliances, chewing difficulty, poor quality of life and social reclusion. Clinical examination identified a pair of mucosally supported dentures with insufficient retention, occlusal instability, overextension of the bases, and teeth colouring that displeased the patient. New maxillar complete denture and mandibular implant-suported overdenture were planned. The same was referred for geriatric and psychological medical care. Medical examinations showed systemic changes that contraindicated implant placement immediately, but no changes in cognitive and motor patterns were identified (mini-mental test, Lawton scale, and Katz scale). Therefore, bimaxillary complete dentures were made until release to surgical procedure. The questionnaires were reapplied after the installation of new dental prosthesis and the results showed a dramatic improvement in satisfaction and chewing ability indices, in quality of life and social reinclusion. The follow-up with the psychologist showed availability and satisfaction with and with the treatment and the patient reported feeling welcomed by the entire medical and dental team, as well as that these care improved their quality of life. Therefore, teamwork aimed at this population is extremely important to ensure the best planning and guarantee the health promotion in its entirety.

Keywords: overdenture, implant rehabilitation, quality of life.