THE IMPACT OF WORN-OUT DENTAL PROSTHESES ON THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Keywords:
dental prostheses, mastication efficiency, gastrointestinal health, nutritional deficiency, prosthetic rehabilitationAbstract
Dental prostheses are widely used in restorative dentistry to rehabilitate edentulous and partially edentulous patients. Their primary functions include restoring mastication, speech, and aesthetics. However, with time, prostheses may become worn-out, ill-fitting, or fractured due to mechanical stress, material degradation, and alveolar bone resorption. Such defective prostheses are not only an oral health concern but also a systemic one, as they directly affect the initial stages of digestion. This article provides an extended review of the impact of worn-out prostheses on the digestive system, analyzing mastication, salivary secretion, gastrointestinal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and psychosocial outcomes. Pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical case studies, and preventive strategies are discussed to highlight the multidisciplinary importance of prosthesis maintenance.
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