Prosthetic parameters among dental patients in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine the Rest Vertical Dimension (RVD), Occlusal Vertical Dimension (OVD), Freeway Space (FWS) and their importance in the fabrication of dental prostheses. These prosthetic parameters were determined in 310 dentate patients attending the Dental Hospital of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals' Complex Ile-Ife. The MMO was obtained by measuring inter-incisal distance. RVD and OVD were derived using Willis gauge. The FWS was taken as 'RVD minus OVD'. Of the 310 attendees, twenty-seven (8.7%) were denture wearers. There was no statistically significant difference between the genders with regards to the use of dentures (P = 0.17). The mean values (+/- standard deviation) for MMO was found to be 50.5 +/- 7.9 mm (range 18.0 to 70.0 mm). The RVD was 73.0 +/- 8.4 mm (range 50.0 to 94.0 mm) and OVD was 69.8 +/- 8.2 mm (range 47.0 t 92.0 mm). The mean FWS was 3.3 +/- 1.4 mm (range 1 to 9 mm). Following the loss of most of the posterior teeth or in a state of complete edentulism, the face profile appears squashed and the vertical dimensions are altered. To provide an efficient and functional prosthesis, the facial dimensions have to be restored to or near pre-edentulous state. The establishment of values for these facial dimensions in given population will assist in the provision of satisfactory prosthesis.