Repeated adjustment of new dentures for dysphagia

When multiple tooth loss causes loss of occlusal-masticatory function, functional recovery is normally obtained with the help of removable dentures. After resection of the jawbone or tongue because of tumors, the movement of the tongue and its surrounding tissues is limited, and patients exhibit a more pronounced loss of chewing and swallowing than that observed in other cases of multiple tooth loss. In such cases, it is necessary to take extra care in determining the position of the mandible, arrangement of artificial teeth, and morphology of the palate. In the present case, the left lower jawbone was resected because of a gingival tumor, and when the new denture was manufactured, the intercuspal position was based on the resting position of the mandible. The stability of the lower complete denture was a priority and the artificial teeth were partially arranged on the lingual side. The new denture, however, caused insufficient closing of the mouth aperture and insufficient impact between tongue and palate, resulting in dysphagia. Therefore, the vertical dimension of occlusion was reduced multiple times to improve chewing and swallowing function.