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Does wearing dentures change sensory nerve responses under the denture base?
Nana Ito1, Suguru Kimoto, Yasuhiko Kawai
1Nihon University Graduate School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Removable Prosthodontics, Matsudo, Japan.
Gerodontology
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Removable partial dentures alter sensory nerve responses in the large fibers beneath the maxillary alveolar ridge. This study found differences in nerve stimulation perception between denture wearers and non-wearers.
Area of Science:
- Oral rehabilitation
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Standard dental texts recommend relieving pressure on specific palatal foramina in complete denture wearers.
- However, empirical evidence regarding the impact of dentures on the sensory nerve function beneath them is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how denture-induced compression affects sensory nerve responses to various stimulations.
- To provide objective data on the neurological effects of wearing removable partial dentures.
Main Methods:
- Partially edentulous patients (maxillary Kennedy class II) were categorized into denture wearers (WD) and non-denture wearers (ND).
- Current Perception Thresholds (CPTs) for A-beta (2000 Hz), A-delta (250 Hz), and C fibres (5 Hz) were measured using a Neurometer® NS3000.
- Data were analyzed using t-tests and ANCOVA, adjusting for age, sex, and mucosal thickness.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in CPTs was observed at 2000 Hz (A-beta fibers) between the WD and ND groups.
- No significant differences were found at 250 Hz (A-delta fibers) or 5 Hz (C fibers).
- The CPT of the edentulous side at 2000 Hz was significantly different between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Wearing removable partial dentures can alter sensory nerve responses.
- Specifically, large nerve fibers underlying the maxillary alveolar ridge show modified responses to stimulation in denture wearers.
- This suggests a potential impact of denture use on tactile sensation in the palate.
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