ROUTINE RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY EDENTULOUS JAW BONES OF PATIENTS SEEKING THEIR FIRST SET OF...

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Radiology

Background:

• Complete dentures are a common prosthetic solution for edentulous patients.
• Preprosthetic evaluation is crucial for successful denture outcomes.
• Radiographic examination can identify asymptomatic pathologies in edentulous jaws.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic value of routine radiographic examination in clinically healthy, completely edentulous jaws before complete denture fabrication.
• To identify common radiographic findings in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, retrospective descriptive study design was employed.
• Records from the University of Nairobi's School of Dental Sciences were analyzed.
• 188 patient records were reviewed, with a focus on radiographic examinations.

Main Results:

• Only 47 (25%) of the examined records included radiographic examinations.
• 152 significant radiographic findings were identified.
• These findings included retained roots, impacted teeth, radiolucencies/opacities, calcified stylohyoid ligament, extensive bone resorption, condylar changes, and mandibular cortical index variations.

Conclusions:

• Routine preprosthetic radiographic examination of edentulous jaws offers a high diagnostic yield.
• Radiographic findings and anatomical indices can significantly inform management decisions and prognosis for complete denture patients.