Evolution of Chewing Force in Geriatric Edentulous Patients

Flavio Pineda-Lopez,María Romero-Guerrero,María Rodriguez-Tates,María Galárraga-Criollo,Byron Velásquez-Ron

doi:10.1055/s-0041-1740538

Flavio Pineda-Lopez, María Romero-Guerrero + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1740538

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Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of chewing force in edentulous geriatric patients rehabilitated with complete dentures. Chewing function is compromised in individuals who lose all their teeth, as well as in those with complete dentures. The maintenance and recovery of the chewing function in these patients require replacement of the lost natural teeth. Materials and Methods In this study, the chewing force was evaluated by electromyographic analysis of the temporalis and masseter muscle endings in 120 patients with old and new bimaxillary complete dentures. Results Replacement of complete dentures was shown to improve stability, retention, occlusion, and support of the prosthesis. All jaw movements were evaluated using electromyography to assess the evolution of chewing force with and without occlusal adjustment, identify premature contact points, identify occlusal interference, respect the balanced occlusal scheme, and assess the increase in muscle strength. This study found that muscle strength in patients with prosthesis without occlusal adjustment was 527.1 N but was higher for prostheses with occlusal adjustment at 614.7 N, and this strength of 614.7 N was maintained after 1 month of control. Conclusion The chewing force evolved in patients with complete dentures, and an increase was observed when occlusal adjustment was performed.

Highlights

Edentulous patients with complete dentures present functional limitations in the stomatognathic system, reduced masticatory performance, tooth loss, alveolar bone resorption, oral mucosa dystrophy, and atrophy of the muscle fibers causing neurotransmitter reduction compared with patients with natural teeth.[1,2]Chewing movements demonstrate decreased vertical development in geriatric patients wearing complete dentures compared with young patients
This study found that muscle strength in patients with prosthesis without occlusal adjustment was 527.1 N but was higher for prostheses with occlusal adjustment at 614.7 N, and this strength of 614.7 N was maintained after 1 month of control
The chewing force evolved in patients with complete dentures, and an increase was observed when occlusal adjustment was performed

Summary

Introduction

Edentulous patients with complete dentures present functional limitations in the stomatognathic system, reduced masticatory performance, tooth loss, alveolar bone resorption, oral mucosa dystrophy, and atrophy of the muscle fibers causing neurotransmitter reduction compared with patients with natural teeth.[1,2]Chewing movements demonstrate decreased vertical development in geriatric patients wearing complete dentures compared with young patients. Edentulous patients with complete dentures present functional limitations in the stomatognathic system, reduced masticatory performance, tooth loss, alveolar bone resorption, oral mucosa dystrophy, and atrophy of the muscle fibers causing neurotransmitter reduction compared with patients with natural teeth.[1,2]. A factor causing mandibular crest resorption during function is ridge atrophy that could arise from compressive forces generated by dentures that exceed the physiological tolerance of the underlying bone.[3,4]. This indicates that the replacement of complete dentures accompanied by occlusal adjustment can effectively correct the function of the stomatognathic apparatus, as well as of respiration, phonation, chewing, and swallowing.

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Conclusion