Romanian Journal of Medical and Dental Education Volum 15 Issue 1, 2026 ASSESSMENT OF MASTICATORY FUNCTION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES: A REVIEW

ASSESSMENT OF MASTICATORY FUNCTION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURES: A REVIEW

Maria-Adriana Blaj,  Agop-Forna Doriana, Rosu Cristina

ABSTRACT

Tooth loss in the elderly impairs masticatory function and quality of life, with removable partial dentures (RPDs) serving as a common yet incompletely evaluated rehabilitation option. Objective methods (comminution tests, digital color mixing, occlusal force) show modest masticatory gains of 10–30%, while patient-reported outcomes reveal substantially higher satisfaction driven by comfort, pain relief, and stability rather than technical performance alone. The frequent objective–subjective discrepancy reflects psychosocial benefits, behavioral adaptation, and lowered expectations. Successful treatment requires a multidimensional assessment combining objective measures and PROMs, meticulous pain control, individualized design, and material selection, with international standardization remaining a key priority.

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