Implant-supported electrostimulating device to treat xerostomia: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND

The full accomplishment of salivary function depends on proper salivary flow rate and composition. Salivary secretion is highly essential in the maintenance of health and integrity of oral hard and soft tissue. Xerostomia is a common symptom affecting between one-fifth and one-third of the adult population, more commonly women than men. Induction of salivary secretion exists in several pharmacological formulations per os. Electrostimulation to enhance salivary secretion has been used frequently as a research tool but only in limited extent as a clinical method to treat patients with xerostomia.

PURPOSE

The aims of this preliminary study were to observe and evaluate the therapeutic effect on xerostomia of the Saliwell Crown (Saliwell Ltd., Harutzim, Israel), an innovative saliva electrostimulation device fixed on an implant, placed in the lower third molar area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Saliwell Crown was placed in the lower third molar area of an 81-year-old female patient with complaints of dry and burning mouth. Salivary secretion was measured, and the patient was asked to fill in written satisfaction questionnaires. The patient was monitored for a year, comparing her salivary secretion rates and the written questionnaires.

RESULTS

The results showed a constant slight but significant increase in the salivary secretion and in the patient's personal feelings as presented in the questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

The saliva stimulation device Saliwell Crown, placed on an implant in an 81-year-old patient with dry and burning mouth complaints, presented promising results when both the salivary secretion tests and the self-assessment questionnaires were examined and compared.