Linear vertical jaw resorption potential in elderly complete denture wearers: a five-year follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dental Implantology
• Radiology

Background:

• Human bone quality declines with age, increasing porosity from the third decade.
• Edentulous patients experience progressive maxillary and mandibular vertical bone resorption.
• Accurate prediction of bone resorption is crucial for dental prosthetics and implant planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a predictive equation for vertical resorption of the maxilla and mandible in elderly edentulous patients.
• To utilize cervical vertebrae morphology from cephalometric radiographs for this prediction.
• To establish a non-invasive method for assessing resorption potential.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of cervical vertebrae (3rd and 4th) morphology and jawbone resorption in 26 edentulous patients.
• Two cephalometric radiographic observations over a five-year period while wearing complete dentures.
• Determination of a linear equation correlating cervical vertebral measurements with vertical jaw resorption.

Main Results:

• A predictive equation was established with an average error of 0.14 mm between predicted and actual values.
• Significant decreases in cervical vertebrae height and width were observed over five years (p < 0.01).
• Significant decrease in residual alveolar ridge height was also noted over the same period (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Cervical vertebral measurements can effectively predict maxillary and mandibular vertical resorption in elderly edentulous patients.
• This radiographic approach offers a valuable tool for anticipating bone changes in denture wearers.
• The findings support using cervical vertebrae as biomarkers for age-related bone resorption in the jaws.