Evaluation Of Mandibular Alveolar Ridge Resorption In Complete Denture Wearers

Background:Following tooth extraction, alveolar ridge resorption, particularly in the mandible, is a chronic, progressive process that can extend beyond the alveolar ridge in severe cases. Research indicates that despite its dense structure, the mandibular ridge is highly susceptible to this type of resorption. This study aimed to evaluate mandibular ridge resorption following complete denture therapy over a six-month to one-year period, assessing changes at the masticatory centre and mental foramen. Differences between patients with complete dentures and those without were examined to determine whether denture fabrication impacts ridge resorption. Materials and Methods:The study was conducted over a five-year period at the Clinic for Removable Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, in Skopje. Sixty patients (32 men and 28 women), aged 51 to 70, participated and were divided into two groups: the first received complete dentures after an initial period of post-extraction bone healing, while the second did not receive dentures during this time. Results: Results demonstrated significantly lower resorption in denture-wearing patients, with a 4.3% resorption rate at the masticatory centre and 3.1% at the mental foramen, compared to 8.5% and 6.3% in the non-denture group, respectively (p < 0.01). This difference indicates that patients with complete dentures experience notably reduced mandibular ridge resorption compared to those without dentures. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that timely, well-fitting complete denture fabrication shortly after tooth extraction plays an essential role in slowing alveolar ridge resorption and preserving ridge height, with potential implications for improved patient outcomes based on cultural, social, and economic factors.