Residual ridge resorption, lower denture stability and subjective complaints among edentulous individuals

Residual ridge resorption in the mandible after tooth loss may lead to worsening of complete denture stability and to various subjective complaints. The aim was to evaluate the association between radiologically assessed residual ridge resorption in the mandible, clinically assessed stability of lower complete denture and subjective complaints among elderly denture wearers. The study population consisted of 326 (115 men and 211 women) edentulous subjects aged 60-78years, all of whom were wearing complete dentures in the mandible. Data on subjective complaints were obtained from questionnaires and interviews. Denture stability was assessed clinically. Residual ridge resorption was analysed from panoramic radiographs. The results showed that women were significantly more often satisfied with their lower dentures and reported fewer problems with eating than men. They also had significantly more often residual ridge resorption than men. Among women, residual ridge resorption was significantly associated with poor chewing ability, low satisfaction with dentures and poor denture stability. Among men, residual ridge resorption did not associate with subjective complaints or denture stability. Poor satisfaction with dentures associated significantly with poor denture stability in both genders. In conclusion, these results highlight the importance of denture maintenance treatment. As the extent of residual ridge resorption in the mandible was the most important factor that increased dissatisfaction with lower complete dentures, it is also important to inhibit the progression of resorption by preventing tooth loss or by using implant-retained dentures.