An in vivo study to compare and correlate sagittal condylar guidance obtained by radiographic and extraoral gothic arch tracing method in edentulous patients

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the sagittal condylar guidance angle obtained by extra oral gothic arch tracing and orthopantomogram in completely edentulous subjects. Material and Methods: Ten completely edentulous subjects were selected by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conventional steps in the fabrication of complete denture with balanced occlusion were carried out. Extra oral gothic arch tracing records were obtained for every patient. Protrusive interocclusal records were used to program the Hanau wide vue semiadjustable articulator, thus obtaining the sagittal condylar guidance angle by clinical method. On the orthopantomogram obtained for every patient in the study, orbitale and porion were located and the Frankfurts horizontal reference line was drawn. The most superior and the inferior points on the glenoid fossa curvature were located and a mean curvature line was obtained. A third reference line passing through the most superior and the inferior points on the glenoid fossa was extended to intersect the Frankfurts horizontal plane, thus obtaining the radiographic sagittal condylar guidance. These values were tabulated and subjected to Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test. Results: There is statistically significant difference between the sagittal condylar guidance values obtained between right and left sides with extra oral gothic arch tracing and orthopantomographic method (p value is 0.014 and 0.007 respectively). Conclusions: The use of orthopantomogram to set the condylar guidance on the semi adjustable articulator for complete denture therapy is questionable.