Prosthetic treatment after teeth extractions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction Good and well balanced diet provided by adequate mastication is part of therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The critical period presents the time immediately after teeth extractions; hence, immediate denture is a rational therapeutical choice for diabetic patients. The presence of immediate denture and its compression might compromise wound healing process, affect chewing ability, food intake and consequently blood glucose level in type 2 DM patients. Objective The objective of this study was to compare socket opening diameters (SOD), chewing ability, changes in blood glucose level and food intake in type 2 DM patients with and without maxillary immediate complete denture (MICD) during a three-week wound healing period. Methods The study comprised 78 type 2 DM partially removable denture wearers (42 candidates for teeth extractions and 36 candidates for teeth extractions and insertion of MICDs). During the three-week period participants were followed for SOD, chewing ability and changes in blood glucose level and food intake. Results Patients with MICD showed significantly lower reduction of SOD (seventh, 14th, 21st day) and higher chewing ability (seventh, 14th, 21st day) in comparison to patients without an MICD. Significantly lower number of patients with an MICD had changes in blood glucose level and food intake. Conclusion Maxillary immediate complete denture presents a good therapeutic choice for type 2 DM patients, as it provides possibility of adequate mastication after teeth extractions and maintenance of nutritional status and blood glucose level.