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Published on: February 23, 2024
Condylar paths during protrusion in edentulous patients: analysis with electronic axiography
1Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Denis Diderot University, Hôtel-Dieu, Garancière Dental Hospital, Paris, France. olivierjp3@wanadoo.fr
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to determine the condylar form, incline, and movement characteristics during protrusive movement in fully edentulous complete denture wearers. The study went on to analyze the occlusal consequences on the setup of artificial posterior teeth and the occlusal grinding phase.
Materials And Methods:
The study included 60 complete denture wearers (aged 58 to 74 years), who received a new set of complete dentures for this study. The patients did not present signs of muscular or articular pain. Protrusive movements were recorded by a SAM(®) electronic axiography system.
Results:
Condylar paths exhibited fairly specific characteristics in the completely edentulous patients, particularly path forms, which had highly specific patterns. Three condylar path forms were determined: the classic form following a convex curve (41% of cases), a sinusoidal form that flattened out in the first 2 mm before following a convex curve (51%), and a rectilinear path (9%). The mean condylar angles also exhibited specific patterns. The mean started in the first millimeter of protrusive movement, at 32.2°± 14.9°, and then increased in the second millimeter to 40.4°± 11.9°, reaching 44.5°± 9° at 5 mm.
Conclusion:
During protrusive movement in completely edentulous patients, the condylar path patterns were different than conventionally described patterns. In particular, the sinusoidal form was frequently found, and the incline of the condylar slope was low. These factors need to be taken into account during the final occlusal selective grinding for new sets of complete dentures.
