Twisted ion-acoustic waves with finite orbital angular momentum (OAM) states are numerically investigated in a plasma containing electrons, positrons and dynamical ions. For this purpose, the well-known Vlasov–Poisson equations are solved together under the paraxial approximation. The perturbed quantities are assumed to follow the Laguerre–Gaussian type solutions and a generalized plasma response function for finite OAM states is derived. The generalized response function is numerically analyzed to investigate dispersion characteristics of the twisted ion-acoustic waves. Consequently, a computer code is developed which is based on the very famous numerical technique known as the Newton–Raphson method. The dependence of the (real) wave oscillation frequency and damping rate involving the twisted ion-acoustic waves is highlighted with different plasma parameters. It is found that the dynamics of ion-acoustic waves are strongly influenced by the twist parameter owing to OAM states. The results obtained in the present study are useful in the understanding of the particle transport and trapping phenomena.