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Comparisons of tactile thresholds between implant-supported fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures.
N R Garrett1, A L Hasse, K K Kapur
1Department of Veteran Affairs, West Los Angeles Medical Center, California 90073.
The International Journal of Prosthodontics
|November 1, 1992
Summary
This study found that while tactile sensitivity was similar between fixed partial dentures (FPD) and removable partial dentures (RPD), RPDs offered superior load distribution. This suggests improved denture performance through better force management.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Dental prosthetics aim to restore masticatory function.
- Assessing tactile sensitivity is crucial for understanding patient perception and function with different denture types.
- Fixed partial dentures (FPD) and removable partial dentures (RPD) are common solutions for edentulism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the tactile sensitivity of abutment and denture teeth in FPDs and RPDs.
- To evaluate the occlusal load-bearing capacity and load distribution of FPDs and RPDs.
- To investigate the correlation between tactile perception and masticatory performance in patients with FPDs and RPDs.
Main Methods:
- Compared tactile sensitivity thresholds in 16 FPD and 16 RPD patients (Kennedy Class I/II).
- Measured occlusal loads required to detect stimuli on splinted and nonsplinted abutment teeth.
- Analyzed load distribution differences between FPDs and RPDs, considering cross-arch splinting and mucosal support.
- Correlated tactile thresholds with masticatory performance using statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in tactile thresholds between natural abutment teeth and artificial teeth in FPD and RPD groups.
- Splinted abutment teeth required significantly higher occlusal loads (5.4-5.8 times) for stimulus detection compared to nonsplinted teeth.
- RPDs demonstrated superior load distribution (over 100% increase in thresholds) compared to FPDs (54% increase).
- Moderate positive correlations found between tactile thresholds and masticatory performance.
Conclusions:
- Tactile sensitivity does not significantly differ between FPD and RPD artificial teeth.
- RPDs offer better load distribution due to cross-arch splinting and mucosal support, enhancing denture stability.
- Reduced tactile perception is not the primary cause of incomplete masticatory function restoration; it may contribute to improved performance.