Objectives: This review evaluated the effects of rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses on the oral function of completely edentulous adults.

Materials and methods: Systematic literature searches were performed to identify records reporting on oral function in completely edentulous adults rehabilitated with implant-supported prostheses. Meta-analyses were performed on various outcomes including bite force, masticatory performance, muscle activity, mandibular movement/chewing pattern, and salivary flow.

Results: 5507 records were identified. Thirty studies qualified for data extraction and analysis. The kappa (𝛋) for the search and identification strategy ranged between 0.50 and 1.00. Meta-analysis was performed grouping the studies by outcomes and split by time points of 6-12 months, 12-36 months, and >36 months after implant therapy. The meta-analyses revealed a significant improvement in oral function of completely edentulous adults after rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses at 6-12 months (Z = -4.895, p < .001; 95% CI: -0.703, -0.301; τ² = .609; Q = 114.953, df = 17, p < .001; I² = 85.2%), at 12-36 months (Z = -4.886, p < .001; 95% CI: -0.580, -0.248; τ² = .908; Q = 280.611, df = 35, p < .001; I² = 87.5%) and at more than 36 months (Z = -9.108, p < .001; 95% CI: -1.472, -0.951; τ² = .019; Q = 7.918, df = 7, p = .340; I² = 11.6%). The included studies demonstrated a low to moderate risk of bias.

Conclusions: This systematic review concluded that the oral function of completely edentate adults significantly improved with implant-supported/retained prostheses, even when only one jaw received implant therapy. Therefore, implant therapy should be promoted for edentulous adults to alleviate the shortcomings of conventional complete removable dental prostheses.